If you’re looking to fill your home with the warm and cozy aroma of the holidays, then baking a batch of Zimt Mandel Plätzchen is just the ticket. These traditional German Cinnamon Almond Cookies are a delightful treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee, as you cozy up in front of a crackling fire or gather with loved ones during the festive season. Made with simple ingredients and infused with the flavors of cinnamon and almond, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire.
Zimt Mandel Plätzchen (Cinnamon Almond Cookies)
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup ground almonds
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix well to combine.
4. Sift in the flour and ground cinnamon, and then fold in the ground almonds. Stir the ingredients together until a smooth dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough onto a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes – stars, hearts, or traditional round cookies all work well for this recipe.
6. Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them an inch apart.
7. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are just starting to turn golden around the edges.
8. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once the cookies have cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and a festive finish.
Enjoy your Zimt Mandel Plätzchen with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine, or package them up in a pretty tin to give as a thoughtful homemade gift to friends and family. These Cinnamon Almond Cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or just a cozy night in by the fireside.
Let the comforting scents of cinnamon and almond fill your home as you bake these delightful treats, and allow the simple joy of holiday baking to bring warmth and cheer to your heart. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of Zimt Mandel Plätzchen that will surely become a beloved holiday tradition in your household.
