During the holiday season, nothing quite beats the warm and cozy feeling of baking delightful treats to share with friends and family. One beloved German Christmas baking recipe that never fails to bring a smile to everyone’s face is Karamellplätzchen, also known as Caramel Cookies. These delectable cookies strike the perfect balance between buttery, sweet caramel and crisp cookie goodness. Get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies with this easy and delightful recipe.
**Karamellplätzchen Caramel Cookies**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup caramel pieces
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt to the bowl, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should just come together.
5. Gently fold in the caramel pieces until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
7. Using a fork, gently press down on each cookie ball to flatten it slightly and create a criss-cross pattern on top.
8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cookies have cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar for a finishing touch, if desired.
These Karamellplätzchen Caramel Cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace or for gifting to loved ones during the festive season. The combination of rich caramel and buttery cookie goodness is sure to make these treats a holiday favorite in your home. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies that will spread joy and cheer to all who taste them. Happy baking!
