Mandlové Hvězdičky Almond Stars

Christmas in the Czech Republic is a time of joy, warmth, and delicious traditional treats. One such delightful Christmas baking recipe that has been passed down through generations is Mandlové Hvězdičky, or Almond Stars. These delicate and fragrant cookies are perfect for bringing the festive spirit to your home, with their almond flavor and beautiful star shape. Whether you’re cozying up by the fire or hosting a holiday gathering, these Almond Stars are sure to be a hit.

**Ingredients:**

– 1 cup ground almonds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1/3 cup apricot jam
– Powdered sugar, for dusting

**Instructions:**

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Add the almond extract and salt to the butter mixture, and mix until well combined.

3. Gradually add the ground almonds and flour to the mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too dry, you can add a little more butter to reach the desired consistency.

4. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up.

5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) thickness. Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out cookies from the dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

7. Using a smaller star-shaped cutter, cut out the center of half of the cookies on the baking sheet to create a window effect.

8. Brush the whole star-shaped cookies with the beaten egg.

9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown around the edges.

10. 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.

11. Spread a thin layer of apricot jam on the whole star-shaped cookies and place a window cut-out cookie on top to sandwich them together.

12. Dust the completed Almond Stars with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.

Enjoy these delightful Mandlové Hvězdičky Almond Stars with a cup of hot cocoa or a warm mug of tea for a truly festive treat that captures the essence of Czech Christmas baking. Share them with loved ones or package them up as charming homemade gifts. Embrace the holiday spirit with these delicious, almond-infused cookies that will surely become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.