Step into a world of holiday magic with our delightful recipe for "Christmas Cookies from Germany with Love"! These charming treats are not just cookies; they are a heartfelt tradition that brings the warmth of German festivities right to your kitchen. Imagine the sweet aroma wafting through your home as you bake these festive delights, perfect for sharing with family and friends or simply indulging in yourself. With just a few simple ingredients and a sprinkle of holiday spirit, you can create 24 delicious cookies that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to embark on this festive baking adventure? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: German
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle and prevent spreading during baking.
- Remove dough from refrigerator and roll out on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use traditional German cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes like stars, hearts, or Christmas trees.
- Place cut cookies onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
- Once completely cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, separating layers with parchment paper.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This not only makes it easier to handle but also enhances the flavors.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes without sticking.
- Cookie Cutters: Use a variety of traditional German cookie cutters to create fun shapes. Stars, hearts, and Christmas trees are always a hit during the holiday season!
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake. Ovens can vary, so check for a light golden edge to ensure they don’t overbake.
- Dusting with Sugar: For an extra festive touch, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar just before serving. A fine mesh sieve works best for an even coating.
- Storage Tip: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy twist that complements the holiday season beautifully. Happy baking!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
