Cinnamon Star Cutouts

Cinnamon Star Cutouts are a festive, aromatic holiday cookie that combines the warm spice of cinnamon with a crisp, buttery texture. These star-shaped cookies are perfect for holiday decorating, gifting, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa. Their beautiful shape and golden hue make them a standout on any dessert table.

I first made Cinnamon Star Cutouts as part of a family baking tradition, and they quickly became a favorite. The dough is lightly spiced and easy to work with, rolling out smoothly for precise shapes. After baking, they can be enjoyed plain or decorated with icing, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy touch.

What I love about this recipe is how versatile and creative it can be. You can use different cutters for various shapes or add extra spices like nutmeg or ginger for a richer flavor. Decorating these cookies with family or friends is a fun activity that brings everyone together during the holiday season. Whether shared as a gift, served at a party, or enjoyed at home, Cinnamon Star Cutouts are a timeless holiday classic that spreads warmth and cheer with every bite.

Perfect for:

• Holiday celebrations
• Christmas cookie exchanges
• Gifting to loved ones
• A cozy snack with hot beverages
• Spiced cookie enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Cinnamon Star Cutouts will become a holiday tradition in your home:

• Warm and Spiced Flavor: The cinnamon-forward taste is perfect for the season.
• Festive Appearance: Star-shaped cookies with a glossy finish are ideal for holiday aesthetics.
• Soft Yet Crisp Texture: A delightful balance of softness and crunch.
• Customizable Shapes: Use other cookie cutters to suit any occasion.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Dough can be prepped ahead for easy baking later.
• Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples make this recipe accessible and budget-friendly.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Decorating: Add your own creative touches with icing or edible glitter.
• Great for Gifting: A thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
• Seasonal Aroma: Fills your kitchen with the nostalgic scent of cinnamon and sugar.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes per batch
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Servings: About 30 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 120 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 4g

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Decorations:

• Edible glitter
• Colored sugar
• Sprinkles

Ingredient Highlights

• Ground Cinnamon: Provides the signature warm and spicy flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Ensures a rich, tender cookie texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, shiny glaze for decorating.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Chill Dough: Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Roll and Cut Cookies:

6. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
8. Cut Shapes: Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and transfer to prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool completely on wire racks.

Decorate the Cookies:

10. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
11. Glaze the Cookies: Use a spoon or brush to apply the glaze to the cooled cookies.
12. Add Decorations: While the glaze is wet, sprinkle with edible glitter, sugar, or sprinkles. Allow glaze to set before serving.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Cinnamon Star Cutouts:

• As a Dessert Platter Star: Combine with other holiday cookies for a beautiful display.
• With Hot Drinks: Pair with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
• For Gifting: Pack in decorative tins or boxes for festive presents.
• At Holiday Parties: Serve as a centerpiece snack for guests to enjoy.
• With Ice Cream: Use as a garnish for scoops of vanilla or spiced ice cream.
• For Cookie Exchanges: A unique addition to holiday cookie swaps.
• As Edible Ornaments: Tie with ribbons for a decorative and edible tree ornament.
• In Gift Baskets: Include alongside homemade jams, chocolates, or wine.
• For Santa: Leave a plate out with milk on Christmas Eve.
• With Family Traditions: Enjoy while decorating the Christmas tree or watching holiday movies.

Additional Tips

• Chill the Dough: To make rolling and cutting easier, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before working with it.
• Use Parchment Paper: Roll the dough out between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and avoid adding extra flour, which can toughen the cookies.
• Dip the Cutter in Flour: If the star cutter sticks to the dough, dip it lightly in flour or powdered sugar before each cut.
• Uniform Thickness: Roll the dough evenly to ensure the cookies bake uniformly. A thickness of about 1/4 inch is ideal for these cutouts.
• Use a Silpat or Lined Baking Sheet: Baking the cookies on a silicone mat or parchment paper ensures they won’t stick and makes cleanup easier.
• Don’t Overbake: Cinnamon star cutouts are best when slightly soft in the center. Keep an eye on the edges—they should just start to brown.
• Decorate with Icing or Sugar: After cooling, decorate the cookies with a simple glaze, royal icing, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for added flair.
• Experiment with Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of cinnamon or add complementary spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist.
• Freeze for Later: Unbaked dough or baked cookies freeze well. Store dough in airtight wrap or cookies in a freezer-safe container to enjoy later.
• Test Your Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy. Many ovens run hotter or cooler than the set temperature, which can impact baking.

Recipe Variations

• Gingerbread Stars: Add ground ginger and nutmeg for a spiced twist.
• Chocolate-Dipped Stars: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a decadent touch.
• Almond Glaze: Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract in the glaze for a nutty flavor.
• Lemon Cinnamon Stars: Add lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy kick.
• Whole Wheat Stars: Use whole wheat flour for a heartier cookie.
• Vegan Option: Replace butter with vegan margarine and use a flaxseed egg substitute.

Special Equipment

• Star-Shaped Cookie Cutters – To shape your cinnamon cookies perfectly.
• Rolling Pin – For evenly rolling out the dough.
• Silicone Baking Mat or Parchment Paper – To prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
• Wire Cooling Racks – To cool the cookies evenly after baking.
• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer – For mixing the dough and ensuring smooth consistency.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – To accurately measure ingredients.
• Sifter or Fine-Mesh Strainer – To sift flour or powdered sugar for a smooth texture.
• Pastry Brush – For applying glazes or egg washes (if needed).
• Cookie Sheets/Baking Trays – To bake the cookies evenly.
• Spatula or Dough Scraper – To lift or handle delicate cutouts without breaking them.

FAQ Section

1. Can I freeze the dough?
   Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
2. How long do the cookies stay fresh?
   Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   Yes, but the flavor may differ slightly.
4. Do I need to chill the dough?
   Chilling ensures the cookies hold their shape during baking.
5. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
6. What can I use instead of powdered sugar?
   Granulated sugar won’t work for the glaze; powdered sugar is essential.
7. Can I skip the glaze?
   Yes, but the glaze enhances the flavor and presentation.
8. Can I use other shapes?
   Absolutely! Use any cookie cutter to suit the occasion.
9. What if I don’t have a star cutter?
   Try a circle or heart-shaped cutter for a different look.
10. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, the recipe doubles well for larger batches.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Star Cutouts are a charming and festive holiday treat that combines the warm, spiced flavor of cinnamon with a soft, buttery cookie base. These star-shaped cookies are perfect for decorating and sharing during the holiday season, making them a delightful addition to cookie platters or a thoughtful homemade gift.

Rolled and cut into star shapes, these cookies can be decorated with icing, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or edible glitter for a magical holiday touch. They’re easy to make and fun to customize, allowing you to add your personal flair to each star.

I’d love to see your Cinnamon Star Cutouts creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me so I can admire your festive baking. Don’t forget to comment and let me know how you made them your own—perhaps with a drizzle of white chocolate, a hint of nutmeg, or a colorful glaze to make them extra special!