During the festive season, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of warm spices wafting through the house. German Christmas baking is renowned for its delicious treats, and one classic that never fails to bring joy is Zimtstangen, which translates to Cinnamon Sticks in English. These delightful pastries are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, with their distinctive shape and sugary glaze. Let’s dive into this recipe that will fill your home with the spirit of the holidays.
**Zimtstangen Cinnamon Sticks**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup cold unsalted butter, diced
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup ground cinnamon
– 1/3 cup powdered sugar
– 1-2 tablespoons milk
**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold diced butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg with the vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the flour-butter mixture and stir until the dough comes together. It should be slightly crumbly but hold together when squeezed.
3. Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a disk. Wrap them separately in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the ground cinnamon and powdered sugar to create the cinnamon-sugar filling.
6. Roll out one disk of the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
7. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 1-inch pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
8. Bake the Zimtstangen in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
9. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze with a drizzling consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon sticks.
10. Allow the Zimtstangen to cool completely before serving. They can be stored in an airtight container for a few days, but they are best enjoyed fresh.
Indulge in the sweet warmth of these Zimtstangen Cinnamon Sticks with a cup of tea or coffee, or share them with loved ones as a delightful holiday gift. The joy of homemade treats is unmatched during this festive time of year, so create memories in the kitchen and savor every delicious bite of these German Christmas delights.
