Cinnamon Stars

Cinnamon Stars: Christmas Treats for the Soul and Senses

In the cold season, when the days get shorter and the atmosphere fills with celebration, cookies and biscuits become the stars of our kitchen. And when it comes to sweets that remind us of childhood, nothing compares to the warm aroma of cinnamon. Today, I invite you to prepare cinnamon stars together, a quick and simple dessert, perfect for enjoying with family and friends.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Baking time: 10-15 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 30 stars

Ingredients

- 1 package (250 g) of margarine at room temperature
- 3 egg yolks
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon gingerbread spice mix or mulled wine spice mix
- Flour as needed (approximately 400 g, but depends on humidity)

Necessary utensils

- Food processor or mixer
- Large bowl
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (star shapes of various sizes)
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Sifter for dusting sugar

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the dough: Start by adding the soft margarine to a large bowl or food processor. Add the powdered sugar and mix until you get a creamy, slightly fluffy mixture. This step is essential as it will ensure a fine and pleasant texture of the cookies.

2. Incorporating the yolks: Add the 3 egg yolks and rum essence to the mixture. Continue mixing until everything is well combined. The rum will add a subtle flavor that will make the cookies even more delicious.

3. The spices: In a separate bowl, mix the cinnamon and the gingerbread spice mix. These spices not only enrich the aroma but also bring a touch of holiday magic. Add the spice mix to the margarine mixture and combine well.

4. The flour: Begin to add the flour gradually, mixing with a spatula or your hands, until you get a soft dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. It is important not to add too much flour, as the cookies may become too hard.

5. Chilling the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour. This step is crucial as it will help the dough firm up, making it easier to shape.

6. Shaping the stars: Once the dough has chilled, sprinkle a bit of flour on the work surface and roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1-2 cm. Using the star-shaped cookie cutters, cut out the cookies and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the stars for 10-15 minutes or until they turn slightly golden around the edges. Be careful not to leave them too long, as they can dry out.

8. Finishing touches: Once the cookies have cooled, dust them with powdered sugar using a sifter. This final step will give them an elegant touch and a perfect sweet taste.

Serving suggestions

These cinnamon stars are perfect to be served alongside a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate. You can also give them as Christmas gifts, beautifully packaged in decorative boxes, bringing joy to your loved ones.

Tips and variations

1. Flavor variations: You can experiment with different flavors by adding lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh taste.
2. Alternative sweetening: If you prefer a healthier taste, you can replace the powdered sugar with natural sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup, but you will need to adjust the amount of flour.

Nutritional benefits

These cinnamon stars are not only delicious but also full of flavors that can bring benefits. Cinnamon is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while margarine can be a source of healthy fats, depending on the type chosen. However, it is best to consume these sweets in moderation, considering that each star contains approximately 80 calories.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace margarine with butter?
Yes, you can use butter instead of margarine, but make sure it is at room temperature to achieve the best texture.

2. How can I keep the cookies fresh?
Place the stars in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

3. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour is a healthy option, but it may change the texture of the cookies. You may need to adjust the amount of flour.

These cinnamon stars are more than just a simple dessert; they are a way to bring the family together, create memories, and savor the flavors of the season. So let’s put on our aprons and enjoy the magic of cooking!