With the holiday season just around the corner, there’s nothing quite like warm, freshly baked treats to fill your home with festive cheer. Among the delightful array of Christmas cookies, the German tradition of baking Schneeflocken Kekse, or Snowflake Cookies, stands out for its delicate sweetness and captivating snowflake shape. These delightful cookies are perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace. Let’s dive into the recipe for these classic German Christmas treats.
**Schneeflocken Kekse Snowflake Cookies**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
6. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness.
7. Using snowflake-shaped cookie cutters, cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cookies have cooled, dust them with powdered sugar to create the snowy effect of real snowflakes.
11. Serve and enjoy these delightful Schneeflocken Kekse along with your favorite hot beverage or package them beautifully for gift-giving.
May these Snowflake Cookies add a touch of German Christmas magic to your holiday baking repertoire. Their buttery texture and subtle sweetness are sure to delight your family and friends. Make a batch of these charming treats and let the festive spirit of the season warm your heart. Happy baking!
