The Christmas season in the Czech Republic is a time of warmth, togetherness, and of course, delicious traditional treats. One of the most beloved Czech Christmas baking recipes is the Skořicové Polštářky, otherwise known as Cinnamon Pillows. These delightful cookies are a staple during the holiday season and are sure to fill your home with the cozy aroma of cinnamon and spice. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or for indulging in a relaxing moment with a cup of tea, these Cinnamon Pillows will bring a touch of European charm to your festive celebrations.
Title: Skořicové Polštářky Cinnamon Pillows
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes – traditional Czech shapes like stars or hearts are perfect for these Cinnamon Pillows.
6. Place the cut-out dough shapes onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Be careful not to overbake as you want the cookies to remain soft.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once the cookies are completely cooled, dust the tops with powdered sugar to give them a snowy finish, mimicking the look of traditional Czech Christmas cookies.
10. Serve these Skořicové Polštářky Cinnamon Pillows with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine for a truly festive treat that captures the essence of Czech holiday baking traditions.
Enjoy these Cinnamon Pillows as a delightful treat to share with family and friends or as a comforting indulgence during the holiday season. Their subtle sweetness and warming spices make them a perfect addition to any Christmas cookie platter. Transport yourself to the picturesque streets of Prague with each bite of these homemade Czech delights.
