Cinnamon Star Cookies with Almond Glaze
Highlighted under: Sweet Recipes
Delightful cinnamon star cookies topped with a sweet almond glaze, perfect for the holiday season.
These Cinnamon Star Cookies are a cherished holiday tradition in many households. Their warm spices and sweet almond glaze create the perfect festive treat that everyone loves.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Aromatic cinnamon flavor that fills your kitchen
- Beautiful star shape that adds holiday cheer
- Easy to make and perfect for gifting
The Joy of Baking Cookies
Baking cookies is not just about creating delicious treats; it's an experience that brings joy and warmth into your home. The aroma of cinnamon wafting through the air as you prepare these delightful star-shaped cookies will instantly uplift your spirits. This recipe for Cinnamon Star Cookies with Almond Glaze is particularly special during the holiday season, as it evokes cherished memories of family gatherings and celebrations.
Gathering friends or family to bake together can turn a simple recipe into a heartwarming tradition. Children and adults alike will love the opportunity to roll out the dough, cut out star shapes, and decorate cookies with a sweet almond glaze. It's a perfect way to bond and create lasting memories while indulging in a tasty treat.
Perfect for Gifting
These Cinnamon Star Cookies are not only delicious but also make beautiful gifts. The lovely star shape, combined with the shimmering almond glaze, can brighten anyone's day. Package them in a decorative box or on a festive plate, and they become a thoughtful present for friends, neighbors, or coworkers during the holiday season.
Furthermore, homemade gifts are often more cherished than store-bought items. They carry a personal touch that reflects the time and effort you put into creating something special. Sharing these cookies with others is a wonderful way to spread cheer and goodwill during the holidays.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
Once baked and glazed, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This makes them a convenient treat to have on hand for unexpected guests or for satisfying a sweet craving. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
When it comes to serving, these cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Their sweet and spicy flavor complements warm beverages perfectly, making them an ideal addition to your holiday gatherings or cozy winter nights at home.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your delicious Cinnamon Star Cookies:
For the Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Almond Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons almond milk
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Make sure to have these ingredients ready for a delightful baking experience!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Cinnamon Star Cookies:
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Cut Out Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
Make the Almond Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, almond milk, and almond extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies.
Enjoy your beautifully glazed Cinnamon Star Cookies!
Baking Tips for Success
To ensure your Cinnamon Star Cookies turn out perfectly, it's crucial to measure your ingredients accurately. Use the spoon-and-level method for flour to avoid packing it into the measuring cup, which can lead to dense cookies. Also, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar.
Chilling the dough is another essential step that should not be skipped. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and enhances their flavor. If you're short on time, you can chill the dough for as little as 15 minutes, but longer is always better for optimal results.
Variations and Customizations
While these Cinnamon Star Cookies are delightful as they are, you can easily customize them to suit your taste. Consider adding chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the dough for added texture and flavor. Alternatively, you could sprinkle some colored sugar on top of the glaze for a festive touch.
If you're looking to switch things up, try incorporating different spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist. You can also experiment with the glaze by substituting almond extract with vanilla or even orange zest for a refreshing citrus flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of nut for the glaze?
Absolutely! You can use hazelnut or even peanut butter for a different flavor.
→ How should I store the cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well.
→ What can I use instead of almond milk?
You can substitute it with regular milk or any other plant-based milk.
Cinnamon Star Cookies with Almond Glaze
Delightful cinnamon star cookies topped with a sweet almond glaze, perfect for the holiday season.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Sweet Recipes
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Almond Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons almond milk
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, almond milk, and almond extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 16g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 1g