Cinnamon Star Cookies with Almond Glaze
Highlighted under: Indulgent Dessert Recipes
Delightful cinnamon star cookies topped with a sweet almond glaze, perfect for holiday celebrations and gifting.
These Cinnamon Star Cookies with Almond Glaze are a festive treat that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. The combination of aromatic cinnamon and a sweet almond finish makes them an irresistible choice for cookie lovers.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Warm cinnamon flavor that fills your kitchen with a cozy aroma
- Beautiful star shape that adds a festive touch to your cookie platter
- Almond glaze that adds a delightful crunch and sweetness
The Perfect Holiday Treat
Cinnamon Star Cookies are not just a delicious treat; they embody the spirit of the holiday season. Their warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon fills your home, creating a cozy atmosphere that brings family and friends together. These cookies are perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or gifting to loved ones, making them a cherished addition to any festive celebration.
The star shape of these cookies adds an extra touch of joy to your holiday cookie platter. They stand out among traditional cookies, offering a delightful visual appeal that is sure to impress your guests. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, these cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the season.
Mastering the Almond Glaze
The almond glaze is what truly elevates these cookies to the next level. Its smooth texture and subtle sweetness complement the warm cinnamon flavor perfectly. This glaze not only adds a beautiful sheen to the cookies but also provides a satisfying crunch when you bite into them. It's a simple yet effective way to enhance the overall flavor profile.
To achieve the ideal consistency for your glaze, start with the recommended amounts of powdered sugar and almond milk. If your glaze is too thick, a splash more of almond milk will help you achieve that perfect drizzling consistency. Conversely, if it's too thin, a bit more powdered sugar will do the trick. Experimenting with these proportions will help you find the perfect balance.
Tips for Success
When making Cinnamon Star Cookies, chilling the dough is a crucial step that should not be overlooked. Chilling helps the butter solidify, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This ensures that they maintain their beautiful star shape and have the perfect texture—crispy edges with a soft center.
Additionally, using high-quality ingredients can make a significant difference in the final product. Opt for fresh ground cinnamon and good-quality butter for a richer flavor. If you want to add a unique twist to your cookies, consider incorporating finely chopped nuts or a touch of orange zest into the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Cinnamon Star Cookies:
For the Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 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 (or regular milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Sliced almonds for garnish
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!
Instructions
Follow these steps to bake your cookies:
Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined. Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
Cut and Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface 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 for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on a wire rack.
Make the Almond Glaze
In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, almond milk, and almond extract. Mix until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar if necessary.
Glaze the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the almond glaze over each cookie and sprinkle with sliced almonds. Let the glaze set before serving.
Enjoy your deliciously festive cookies!
Serving Suggestions
These Cinnamon Star Cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Consider serving them with a warm cup of spiced chai or a rich hot chocolate for a cozy treat. They also make a great addition to holiday gift baskets, beautifully packaged alongside other homemade goodies like fudge or peppermint bark, creating a delightful assortment for any recipient.
For a festive presentation, arrange the cookies on a decorative platter and sprinkle some edible glitter or powdered sugar over them. This not only enhances their visual appeal but also adds a touch of elegance to your dessert table.
Storage Tips
To keep your Cinnamon Star Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, maintaining their delicious flavor and texture. If you need to store them for a longer period, consider freezing them without the glaze. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container, and when you're ready to enjoy, thaw and glaze them for a fresh taste.
Make sure to separate layers of cookies with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. This way, you can enjoy your festive treats for weeks to come, bringing the joy of the holiday season into your everyday life.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
→ How should I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
→ Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw them before serving.
→ What can I substitute for almond extract?
You can use vanilla extract or omit it altogether if you prefer.
Cinnamon Star Cookies with Almond Glaze
Delightful cinnamon star cookies topped with a sweet almond glaze, perfect for holiday celebrations and gifting.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Indulgent Dessert Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 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 (or regular milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Sliced almonds for garnish
How-To Steps
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined. Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface 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 for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on a wire rack.
In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, almond milk, and almond extract. Mix until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar if necessary.
Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the almond glaze over each cookie and sprinkle with sliced almonds. Let the glaze set before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g