For many, Christmas is synonymous with timeless traditions and cozy moments spent in the kitchen baking delightful treats. In Austria, the holiday season is particularly magical when it comes to baking, with families coming together to create delicious sweets that are enjoyed by all. One such festive recipe that captures the essence of Austrian Christmas baking is the delightful Zimtbäumchen Cinnamon Tree Cookies. These charming cookies are not only delicious but also fun to make, making them the perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire.
Zimtbäumchen Cinnamon Tree Cookies
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– Red and green decorating sugars
– Colored icing for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix well until fully combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and ground cinnamon.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms. If the dough seems too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the cookie dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
7. Before baking, sprinkle each cookie with a generous amount of red and green decorating sugars to create a festive look.
8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can decorate them with colored icing if desired. Get creative and add your personal touch to each cookie.
These Zimtbäumchen Cinnamon Tree Cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a delightful addition to your holiday table. Their delicate cinnamon flavor and charming tree shape make them a festive and heartwarming dessert that will be loved by family and friends alike. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace or share them as a thoughtful gift, these cookies are sure to spread joy and holiday cheer wherever they go. Invite your loved ones to join you in the kitchen and create lasting memories baking these delicious Austrian-inspired treats together. Happy baking!
