During the festive season, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. German Christmas baking brings a touch of magic to the holidays, and one beloved recipe guaranteed to impress both family and friends is Schokoladensterne, also known as Chocolate Stars. These delightful treats are both delicious and visually appealing, making them a perfect addition to any holiday spread. The combination of rich chocolate and delicate spices creates a flavor profile that truly captures the spirit of Christmas. Follow along for a step-by-step guide on how to create your own batch of these irresistible Schokoladensterne.
Title: Schokoladensterne (Chocolate Stars)
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg yolk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a separate large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too crumbly, add a teaspoon of milk to bind it together.
5. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake the Schokoladensterne in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until set. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. In a small bowl, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Drizzle or spread the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies to create a decorative finish.
10. Allow the chocolate to set before serving the Schokoladensterne on a festive platter or packaging them as thoughtful gifts for loved ones.
Enjoy these heavenly Schokoladensterne alongside a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine for a truly magical Christmas experience. The rich chocolate flavor and delicate spices make these cookies an irresistible treat that will have everyone coming back for more. Embrace the holiday spirit with this delightful German Christmas baking recipe that is sure to become a new favorite in your festive repertoire. Happy baking, and may your home be filled with warmth and joy this holiday season!
