The holiday season brings with it a sense of warmth and festivity, especially when it comes to the delightful tradition of baking Christmas goodies. One recipe that perfectly encapsulates the flavors of the season is the Kirsch Zimt Kringel, also known as Cherry Cinnamon Rings. This German Christmas baking recipe combines the sweet tang of cherries with the comforting spice of cinnamon, resulting in a treat that will truly enchant your taste buds.
Kirsch Zimt Kringel Cherry Cinnamon Rings
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup cherry preserves
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/3 cup chopped almonds
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
6. Divide the dough in half. Roll out each half into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
7. Spread the cherry preserves evenly over each rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon and chopped almonds over the cherry preserves.
9. Starting from one of the longer edges, carefully roll up each rectangle into a tight log.
10. Using a sharp knife, cut the logs into 1-inch slices. You should end up with around 12 slices per log.
11. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
13. Allow the Kirsch Zimt Kringel to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
14. Once cooled, dust the Cherry Cinnamon Rings with confectioners’ sugar for a festive finish.
Enjoy these delightful Kirsch Zimt Kringel Cherry Cinnamon Rings with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine for the perfect cozy Christmas treat!
Whether you’re looking to add a new recipe to your holiday baking repertoire or simply want to impress your guests with a delightful homemade treat, these Cherry Cinnamon Rings are sure to be a hit. The combination of fruity cherries, warm cinnamon, and crunchy almonds makes these festive treats a must-try for the holiday season. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the sweet flavors of Christmas with this delectable German baking recipe.
