During the festive holiday season, the kitchen comes alive with the delicious aromas of traditional Christmas baking. Nothing quite captures the spirit of a German Christmas like the sweet scent of freshly baked Zimtkränze, or Cinnamon Wreaths. These delicate, spiced cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, resembling beautiful wreaths adorned with sugar crystals. Perfect for serving alongside a warm cup of tea or gifting to loved ones, these Zimtkränze are sure to become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.
Zimtkränze Cinnamon Wreaths
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup ground almonds
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup sugar crystals (for decoration)
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, ground almonds, granulated sugar, softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix all the ingredients together until a smooth dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, you can add a little more butter to achieve the right consistency.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. On a clean, floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Using a cookie cutter or a small round glass, cut out circles from the dough.
4. To shape the Zimtkränze, cut a small slit in each circle and twist one end through the slit to create a wreath shape. Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
5. Sprinkle the tops of the Zimtkränze with sugar crystals, gently pressing them into the dough to adhere.
6. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Be careful not to overbake the Zimtkränze, as they should remain tender and slightly chewy.
7. Once baked, remove the Zimtkränze 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.
8. Serve the Zimtkränze Cinnamon Wreaths with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or enjoy them as is with a cup of hot tea or mulled wine.
These Zimtkränze make the perfect homemade gift for friends and family during the holiday season. Pack them in a festive tin or wrap them in clear cellophane with a bow for a thoughtful and delicious present. Whether you’re baking these cinnamon-scented delights for a holiday gathering or simply to enjoy at home, the warm flavors of Zimtkränze are sure to bring joy and cheer to all who taste them. Enjoy the simple pleasure of baking and sharing these traditional German treats, and let the spirit of Christmas fill your home with sweetness and light.
