Cinnamon Star Cookies with Almond Glaze
Highlighted under: Gourmet Baking Bliss
Delight in the festive flavors of these Cinnamon Star Cookies topped with a sweet almond glaze. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy treat!
These Cinnamon Star Cookies are a holiday classic that bring warmth and joy to any gathering. With their aromatic spices and sweet almond glaze, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Warm cinnamon aroma that fills your kitchen
- Delicate almond glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness
- Fun and festive star shape makes them great for holiday celebrations
The Perfect Holiday Treat
Cinnamon Star Cookies with Almond Glaze are not just a delightful addition to your holiday dessert table; they embody the spirit of the season. The warm, spicy aroma of cinnamon wafts through your kitchen, inviting family and friends to gather around. These cookies are perfect for sharing, making them an excellent choice for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying at home with a warm cup of cocoa.
The star shape of these cookies adds a fun and festive touch, making them visually appealing for any occasion. Their delicate glaze not only enhances their beauty but also adds a sweet contrast to the warm spices. Whether you're looking to impress guests or treat your loved ones, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
A Simple Recipe for Everyone
Making these cookies is a straightforward process that even novice bakers can master. The recipe requires common ingredients found in most kitchens, and the steps are simple to follow. With just a bit of chilling time for the dough, you can quickly whip up a batch of these delightful cookies that will impress everyone.
The hands-on nature of rolling and cutting the cookies can be a fun activity for families and friends to enjoy together, creating lasting memories in the kitchen. Plus, decorating the cookies with almond glaze and sliced almonds allows for a personal touch, making each cookie uniquely yours.
Storage and Enjoyment
Once baked and glazed, these Cinnamon Star Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for holiday gatherings. If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare!), you can freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Enjoy these cookies as a delightful snack any time of the day or serve them as a charming dessert at your next festive gathering. Pair them with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy experience that captures the warmth of the season.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated 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
- Sliced almonds for topping (optional)
Instructions
Make the Cookie Dough
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and 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 1 hour to make it easier to roll out.
Roll and Cut the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cooling on a wire rack.
Prepare the Almond Glaze
In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, almond milk, and almond extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed.
Glaze the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the almond glaze over the top and sprinkle with sliced almonds if desired. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the almond milk in the glaze? Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use regular milk or any non-dairy alternative to achieve the desired consistency. The flavor may vary slightly, but the glaze will still be delicious.
How do I make the cookies gluten-free? To make these cookies gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to maintain the right texture.
Tips for Success
For the best results, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with sugar. This helps to create a light and fluffy texture in the cookies, which is essential for achieving that perfect bite.
When rolling out the dough, dust your surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent sticking. If the dough becomes too soft while working with it, return it to the refrigerator for a short time to firm up before cutting out the star shapes.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of nut for the glaze?
Yes, you can substitute almond extract with hazelnut or vanilla extract for a different flavor.
→ How should I store the cookies?
Store the cookies 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 thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling out.
→ What can I use instead of almond milk?
You can use regular milk or any other plant-based milk as a substitute in the glaze.
Cinnamon Star Cookies with Almond Glaze
Delight in the festive flavors of these Cinnamon Star Cookies topped with a sweet almond glaze. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy treat!
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Gourmet Baking Bliss
Skill Level: Intermediate
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 nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated 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
- Sliced almonds for topping (optional)
How-To Steps
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to make it easier to roll out.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cooling on a wire rack.
In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, almond milk, and almond extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed.
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the almond glaze over the top and sprinkle with sliced almonds if desired. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g