The holiday season is a magical time when the scent of cinnamon fills the air, and cozy homes are adorned with festive decorations. A Christmas in the Czech Republic brings with it a rich tradition of baking mouthwatering treats to enjoy with loved ones. One such delightful recipe is the Skořicové Stromečky, which translates to Cinnamon Trees. These charming and delicious cookies not only look festive but also taste unbelievably good. Let’s dive into making these Czech Republic Christmas baking wonders in your own kitchen!
**Skořicové Stromečky Cinnamon Trees**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Powdered sugar for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Cream the Butter and Sugar:** In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. **Add Egg and Vanilla:** Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, and salt.
5. **Mix the Dough:** Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix until a smooth dough forms.
6. **Chill the Dough:** Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
7. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. **Cut Out Shapes:** Using tree-shaped cookie cutters, cut out the dough to create your cinnamon trees. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them an inch apart.
9. **Bake:** Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. **Cool:** Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. **Dust with Powdered Sugar:** Once the cookies are completely cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
12. **Enjoy:** Your Skořicové Stromečky Cinnamon Trees are now ready to be enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or as a delightful treat on your Christmas dessert table.
These whimsical treats not only make for a beautiful addition to your holiday spread but also fill your home with the warm scent of cinnamon and joy. You can also pack them in pretty boxes or bags tied with festive ribbons to share with family and friends, spreading the Christmas cheer.
Indulge in the festive spirit of the Czech Republic’s holiday baking traditions by adding Skořicové Stromečky Cinnamon Trees to your Christmas repertoire. Bring love and warmth to your home with these delightful and delicious cookies that are sure to become a family favorite for years to come. Enjoy the magic of Christmas baking and create cherished memories with your loved ones as you bake and savor these delightful treats together.
