When the holiday season arrives and the scent of warm spices fills the air, it’s time to indulge in the delightful tradition of Christmas baking. In the Czech Republic, one particular treat takes center stage: Skořicové Pracny, also known as Cinnamon Nut Cookies. These buttery delights are infused with cinnamon and studded with crunchy nuts, making them a perfect companion to a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly winter evening. Let’s explore the simple joys of baking these Czech Christmas cookies in your own kitchen.
**Skořicové Pracny Cinnamon Nut Cookies**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Your Oven**: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients**: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugars**: In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
4. **Add Egg and Vanilla**: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated into the butter mixture. The egg helps bind the ingredients together, while the vanilla adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the dough.
5. **Incorporate Dry Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft cookie dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies rather than tender ones.
6. **Fold in Chopped Nuts**: Gently fold in the finely chopped walnuts or pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. The nuts add a delightful crunch and nuttiness to the cookies, balancing out the sweet cinnamon flavor.
7. **Shape and Bake**: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, shape the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand to create a cookie shape.
8. **Bake to Perfection**: Bake the Skořicové Pracny Cinnamon Nut Cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The aroma of cinnamon and butter will fill your kitchen as these delightful treats bake to perfection.
9. **Cool and Enjoy**: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, serve these Czech Christmas cookies alongside a steaming cup of tea or hot chocolate for the ultimate winter treat.
These Skořicové Pracny Cinnamon Nut Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday baking repertoire, bringing a touch of Czech tradition and warmth to your festive spread. Share these delectable treats with loved ones or package them up in a beautiful tin as a thoughtful gift. Enjoy the joy of baking and savoring these delicious cookies this holiday season!
