Kanelhjärtan Cinnamon Hearts

If you’re looking to infuse your home with the delightful scents of the festive season and create a cozy atmosphere, there’s nothing quite like homemade Christmas baking. One Swedish treat that perfectly captures the holiday spirit is Kanelhjärtan, or Cinnamon Hearts. These delicate and aromatic cookies are a staple in Swedish households during the Christmas season, filling the air with the sweet and warm fragrance of cinnamon. With their charming heart shape, they make for a lovely addition to any holiday cookie platter or a thoughtful homemade gift for family and friends.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Red and white icing for decoration (optional)

Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well until fully combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
5. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies from the dough and carefully transfer them to the baking sheet, spacing them apart.
9. Repeat the rolling and cutting process with the second disc of dough.
10. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can decorate them with red and white icing to create festive designs or leave them plain for a simple and elegant look.

These Kanelhjärtan Cinnamon Hearts are not only delicious but also make for a beautiful decoration on your holiday dessert table. Their delicate texture and distinct cinnamon flavor are sure to evoke memories of warm gatherings and joyful celebrations. Share the love this Christmas season by baking up a batch of these delightful Swedish treats for your loved ones to enjoy. Happy baking!