Happy new week, fellow baking enthusiasts!
It’s truly astonishing how quickly December has graced us with its presence. It feels like only yesterday I was embracing all things pumpkin spice, and now, the air is undeniably thick with the sweet aroma of Christmas cookies! This rapid transition from autumn’s cozy embrace to the festive whirlwind of winter is a yearly marvel, but it’s one I welcome with open arms, especially when it means endless cookie creations.
As if the arrival of December wasn’t a jolt enough, the thought of Christmas being merely three weeks away sends a delightful shiver, perhaps mixed with a tiny panic, down my spine. Why the panic, you ask? Well, confessing this publicly feels a little exposing, but believe it or not, I’ve got next to nothing ready! My wonderful parents are coming to stay with us over Christmas, and a part of me thinks I’ll wait until they arrive to dive into the full-scale preparations. (Dad, if you’re reading this, I’m absolutely kidding! Every single detail will be perfectly in place for your arrival, I promise!).
However, there’s one glorious exception to my current state of unreadiness, one item that is not only prepared but has been flowing in abundance: cookies! I’ve been baking them with an almost obsessive fervor over the past few weeks – and if you’ve been following along, you’ve probably noticed my delightful cookie spree. And honestly, who could blame me? The sheer joy of a truly delicious cookie, not to mention the heavenly scent that permeates every corner of your home, is simply irresistible. Baking festive cookies as soon as December rolls around has become a cherished tradition of mine. I love to whip up batch after batch and then, with immense pleasure, distribute them among my friends and loved ones. There’s a certain magic in a homemade treat that instantly elevates spirits and ushers in that festive cheer. Seriously, who doesn’t feel utterly happy when presented with a giant, lovingly prepared bag of homemade cookies?
The Unrivaled Charm of Homemade Holiday Treats
There’s an undeniable warmth that homemade cookies bring to the holiday season. Beyond their delectable taste, they carry a story, a touch of personal care, and a whisper of tradition. Every bite is an invitation to slow down, savor the moment, and connect with the joy of giving. In a world increasingly dominated by mass-produced goods, a batch of handmade cookies stands out as a genuine token of affection. The process of baking itself, from the careful measuring of ingredients to the comforting hum of the oven, is a therapeutic journey that culminates in these small, edible masterpieces. They transform a simple gathering into a memorable occasion and turn an ordinary afternoon into a mini-celebration. It’s this profound power of cookies – to comfort, to cheer, and to connect – that makes them the quintessential holiday staple in my home.
Introducing Our Star: Cinnamon & Maple Snowflake Cookies
And speaking of delightful additions, today’s featured recipe, for these utterly melt-in-your-mouth Cinnamon & Maple Snowflake Cookies, is one of my latest and most exciting entries into those coveted holiday goodie bags. Because, let’s be honest, a truly impressive goodie bag demands a diverse and delicious selection of cookies; one type simply doesn’t convey the full spectrum of holiday cheer! These snowflake beauties are not just a treat for the palate but a feast for the eyes, embodying the magic of winter with every perfectly cut shape.
This year, my holiday cookie assortment is shaping up to be truly spectacular. Alongside these enchanting cinnamon and maple creations, I’m planning on including a magnificent lineup to ensure every palate is pleased. My festive cookie boxes will feature:
- Florentine Biscuits: Elegant and wonderfully chewy, these classic treats with their delicate lacework of almonds and candied fruit are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Nutmeg Cookies: Infused with warm, aromatic nutmeg and often paired with rich chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts, they offer a sophisticated depth of flavor.
- Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies: A beloved favorite, these soft, buttery cookies with a sweet indentation filled with luscious chocolate are as fun to make as they are to eat.
- Gingerbread Cookies: The quintessential Christmas cookie, with its spicy, comforting aroma and delightful crispness, perfect for cutting into festive shapes.
And naturally, the crowning glory: these exquisite cinnamon cookies, elevated by the subtle, sweet hints of maple. Each cookie in this carefully curated selection brings its own unique charm, ensuring that every recipient of these homemade gifts feels truly special.
The Irresistible Allure of Cinnamon
I must confess, I have an unyielding adoration for cinnamon cookies. Any cookie graced with the comforting spice of cinnamon immediately wins my heart. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a cozy winter wonderland, and the taste is, without a doubt, pure bliss. It’s a flavor that evokes nostalgia, warmth, and the very essence of holiday cheer. I’ve genuinely never encountered anyone who doesn’t adore a good cinnamon cookie. It’s a universally loved spice, transforming simple dough into something extraordinary, making these snowflake cookies a guaranteed hit for anyone lucky enough to receive them or enjoy them fresh from the oven.
More Than Just a Treat: Edible Decorations!
Beyond their role as a delicious snack or a thoughtful gift, these Cinnamon & Maple Snowflake Cookies, much like my popular gingerbread men, double as charming Christmas tree decorations. Imagine your tree adorned with these edible works of art, ready to be plucked off and enjoyed at any moment! And the best part? You don’t need a collection of fancy, specialized cutters to create them. While I’ve used snowflake shapes to give them their seasonal charm, any cookie cutters you have on hand will do the trick beautifully. Stars, bells, circles – let your creativity lead the way!
The Secret to Perfect Cut-Out Cookies: Chilled Dough
The only reason I refer to them as ‘snowflake’ cookies is purely because of the intricate cutters I chose for this particular batch. However, when it comes to any type of cut-out cookie, the ultimate secret to achieving sharp, neat edges and perfectly defined shapes lies in one crucial step: thoroughly chilled dough. Seriously, do not, under any circumstances, skip this part of the process, as it is absolutely vital for success. This is especially true if you’re using more elaborate or intricate cookie cutters, like the delicate snowflakes I employed. Intricate cutters often get a bad rap for being difficult to work with, time-consuming, and fiddly, leading to frustration and misshapen cookies.
However, armed with a super chilled dough, your experience will be dramatically different. The cold dough is much firmer and less prone to sticking or spreading, making it infinitely easier to handle. Cutting out the shapes will go much smoother, and you’ll be able to lift them onto your baking sheet without distorting their beautiful forms. Trust me on this: a well-chilled dough transforms the entire cut-out cookie experience from a potential struggle into a genuinely enjoyable and rewarding process. It ensures that your snowflakes, or any other festive shapes, emerge from the oven looking precisely as intended, crisp and defined, ready for admiration.
That’s precisely why, with this recipe for Cinnamon & Maple Snowflake Cookies, a key step involves rolling out the dough *before* it gets chilled. This innovative technique means that once the dough is perfectly cold and emerges from the fridge, cutting out even the most delicate and fanciest of shapes becomes an absolute breeze – truly, a piece of cake (or rather, a piece of cookie!). Furthermore, because of the intricate nature of the cookie cutters I used for these snowflakes, I opted against adding any raising agents to the ingredients. This helps the cookies maintain their precise shape without puffing up and losing definition. However, if you are planning to use more classic, traditional cookie cutters, feel free to incorporate ½ teaspoon of baking powder into your flour mix for a slightly softer, chewier texture. Another fantastic aspect of this recipe is its adaptability: I’ve successfully made these with buckwheat flour, which means you can effortlessly make them gluten-free if needed, without compromising on taste or texture. This versatility ensures that everyone, regardless of dietary preferences, can enjoy these delightful holiday treats.
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Cinnamon & Maple Snowflake Cookies
Ingredients
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 180 g dairy free butter or spread (softened)
- 150 g soft brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoon maple extract
Icing sugar to decorate (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, salt and cinnamon.
- Using an electric mixer, beat together butter/ spread and sugar until creamy and smooth. Add vanilla extract and maple extract, and beat for about 2 minutes.
- Add flour mixture and beat on low speed until just combined. If the mixture feels too soft, add 1 tablespoon of flour, if it feels too dry, add 1 tablespoon of dairy free milk.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll out each part of the dough onto the baking parchment to about ¼ inch thickness. Transfer the rolled out dough onto baking trays and chill for at least 2 hours. You can also chill the dough overnight, just remember to cover the dough with cling film so it won’t dry out in the fridge.
- When the dough is chilled, preheat the oven to 170 C. Prepare your baking trays, and line them up with baking parchment. Take one of the dough pieces out of the fridge and using your cookie cutter, cut into desired shapes. Transfer to prepared baking trays and bake for 8 minutes, rotating cookies half way through to ensure more even bake.
- Re-roll any leftover dough (chill again if necessary) and repeat until you have used up all of the dough.
Please note that all my recipes are developed and tested in metric grams. I recommend that you use digital scales for a more accurate results. I have provided a conversion to US customary in the recipe but please note that I haven’t tested using this method.
Notes
Nutrition
