In the cozy winter kitchen, there’s something truly magical about preparing traditional German Christmas treats. One such delightful recipe that fills the home with warmth and holiday cheer is Zimt Herzen, also known as Cinnamon Hearts. These charming heart-shaped cookies combine the sweet, aromatic flavors of cinnamon and butter, making them the perfect festive treat for sharing with loved ones or giving as edible gifts during the holiday season.
**Zimt Herzen Cinnamon Hearts**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dough:** In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and continue to mix until well combined. Gradually sift in the flour, ground cinnamon, and salt, stirring until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it is easy to handle. Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thickness. Using heart-shaped cookie cutters, cut out cookies from the dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
4. **Bake the Cookies:** Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. **Decorate with Powdered Sugar:** Once the cookies have cooled, dust them generously with powdered sugar, giving them a snowy appearance. You can also sprinkle extra cinnamon on top for a more intense aroma and flavor. These cinnamon hearts are now ready to be enjoyed or shared with loved ones!
This recipe yields a batch of beautifully fragrant and buttery cinnamon hearts that are sure to evoke feelings of nostalgia and joy during the Christmas season. Whether you savor them with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace or package them up as thoughtful gifts, these delightful cookies are certain to spread holiday cheer among family and friends. Embrace the tradition of German baking and create lasting memories with these Zimt Herzen Cinnamon Hearts this festive season.
