Cinnamon Star Cutouts are a festive and delicious treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. These buttery cookies are infused with the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon and shaped into charming star shapes, making them ideal for Christmas or any winter celebration. Whether you enjoy them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or decorated with icing, these cookies are sure to bring holiday cheer. They also make wonderful gifts or additions to a cookie exchange.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting or icing for decorating
Instructions:
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- Combine the Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to roll out.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll and Cut the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, dust with powdered sugar or decorate with icing as desired.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy your Cinnamon Star Cutouts immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
These Cinnamon Star Cutouts are not only delicious but also a fun and festive addition to your holiday baking lineup. Enjoy them with family and friends!
