During the holiday season, nothing beats the cozy feeling of baking festive treats to share with family and friends. If you’re looking to add a touch of Czech tradition to your Christmas baking repertoire, then you’ll love the recipe for čokoládové Hvězdičky, or Chocolate Stars. These delightful cookies are not only delicious but also make for a charming addition to any holiday spread. With a rich chocolate flavor and a hint of sweetness, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring a taste of the Czech Republic into your kitchen this holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the cookies later on.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This step will help ensure that your dry ingredients are well combined and prevent any lumps in your dough.
3. In a separate larger bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done using a hand mixer or a stand mixer for about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until well incorporated. The egg will help bind the ingredients together, while the vanilla extract will add a delightful aroma to your cookies.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
6. Once your dough is ready, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thickness. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the dough into star shapes.
7. Carefully place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie to prevent them from sticking together during baking.
8. Bake the Chocolate Stars in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set. Be mindful not to overbake them as they can become dry.
9. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust the cooled Chocolate Stars with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Enjoy these čokoládové Hvězdičky Chocolate Stars with a cup of hot cocoa or as a sweet treat on their own. Their rich chocolate flavor and delicate texture make them a perfect addition to any holiday gathering or as a heartfelt gift for your loved ones. Bring a taste of the Czech Republic to your home this Christmas with these delightful cookies!
