Cinnamon Star Cookies with Almond Glaze
Highlighted under: Sweet Treats
Delight in the festive spirit with these Cinnamon Star Cookies topped with a sweet almond glaze. Perfect for holiday gatherings!
These Cinnamon Star Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon with a sweet almond glaze. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying with a cup of tea, these cookies will become a cherished tradition in your home.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Warm, comforting cinnamon flavor in every bite
- Beautiful star shape that adds a festive touch
- Almond glaze that adds a sweet crunch
The Perfect Holiday Treat
Cinnamon Star Cookies are not just a delightful dessert; they embody the warmth of the holiday season. The aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen will evoke cherished memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations. Each bite offers a comforting taste that makes them an ideal treat for sharing with loved ones. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or simply looking to indulge in something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress.
The star shape of these cookies adds a whimsical touch to any dessert platter. They can serve as a charming centerpiece for your holiday table or a sweet addition to gift baskets. With their beautiful design, they are perfect for decorating with the almond glaze and sliced almonds, making them visually appealing as well as delicious.
Simple Steps for Success
One of the best things about making Cinnamon Star Cookies is how straightforward the process is. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create something truly special. The cookie dough comes together easily, requiring minimal effort and equipment. This makes it a great recipe for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. Plus, chilling the dough ensures that your cookies hold their shape during baking, resulting in perfectly formed stars every time.
The almond glaze adds an extra layer of flavor and texture that elevates these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary. It's simple to make and provides a sweet contrast to the warm cinnamon flavor of the cookies. Drizzling the glaze over the cookies not only enhances their taste but also adds a delightful crunch from the sliced almonds, making each bite a delightful experience.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Once baked and glazed, Cinnamon Star Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. This makes them a great option for preparing in advance for holiday parties or gatherings. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider freezing them. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and they will maintain their flavor and texture wonderfully when thawed.
For serving, these cookies can be paired with a warm cup of tea or coffee, enhancing the overall experience. They also make wonderful gifts when packaged in festive boxes or tins. Your friends and family will appreciate the thoughtfulness of homemade treats, especially during the holiday season.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 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 garnish
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Instructions
Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
Chill and Shape the Cookies
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Almond Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, almond milk, and almond extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with sliced almonds for garnish.
Allow the glaze to set before serving. Enjoy your delicious cookies!
Tips for Perfect Cookies
To ensure your Cinnamon Star Cookies come out perfectly every time, use a high-quality cinnamon. The spice's flavor can vary significantly between brands, so selecting a fresh, aromatic cinnamon will enhance the overall taste of your cookies. Additionally, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature to achieve a light and fluffy texture when creaming with sugar.
When rolling out the dough, dust your work 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 few minutes. This will help you achieve clean edges when cutting out your star shapes, resulting in a professional-looking cookie.
Variations to Try
While these cookies are delicious as is, feel free to experiment with different flavorings in the almond glaze. A splash of vanilla or even a hint of orange zest can add a unique twist that complements the cinnamon. You could also swap out the sliced almonds for other nuts like pecans or walnuts for a different texture and flavor combination.
For a fun holiday twist, consider adding colored sugar or edible glitter on top of the glaze before it sets. This will give your cookies a festive sparkle and make them even more appealing for holiday gatherings. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize these cookies to your heart's content!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of nuts for the glaze?
Yes, you can use chopped walnuts or pecans instead of almonds.
→ 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?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
→ What can I use instead of almond milk?
You can substitute almond milk with regular milk or any other plant-based milk like soy or oat milk.
Cinnamon Star Cookies with Almond Glaze
Delight in the festive spirit with these Cinnamon Star Cookies topped with a sweet almond glaze. Perfect for holiday gatherings!
Created by: Emma Johnson
Recipe Type: Sweet Treats
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 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 garnish
How-To Steps
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out star shapes using a cookie cutter 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. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, almond milk, and almond extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with sliced almonds for garnish.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g