Pistachio Cinnamon Star Cookies
Highlighted under: Artisan Bakery Recipes
Delightful and festive, these Pistachio Cinnamon Star Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and sweet indulgences year-round.
These Pistachio Cinnamon Star Cookies are a delightful combination of nutty pistachios and warm cinnamon spices. Perfect for sharing during the holiday season or enjoying as a special treat with your afternoon tea, these cookies are sure to impress!
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Unique flavor combination of pistachios and cinnamon
- Festive star shape that adds charm to any occasion
- Crunchy texture with a soft center that melts in your mouth
A Unique Twist on Holiday Classics
When it comes to holiday baking, traditional flavors often take the spotlight. However, these Pistachio Cinnamon Star Cookies offer a delightful twist that sets them apart from the usual suspects. The combination of earthy pistachios with the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon creates a unique flavor profile that will surprise and delight your guests. Whether served at a festive gathering or enjoyed during a cozy evening at home, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite.
The star shape of these cookies not only adds a festive touch but also makes them perfect for holiday cookie platters. They bring a sense of whimsy and fun, making them an excellent addition to any celebration. Plus, their vibrant green pistachios create a visually appealing contrast that is bound to impress your family and friends.
Perfect for Any Occasion
While these cookies are undoubtedly festive, their appeal extends beyond the holiday season. The delightful marriage of flavors makes them suitable for any occasion, from birthdays to afternoon tea parties. Their crunchy exterior and soft center create a satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee.
Additionally, the ease of preparation makes them a great choice for baking with children or beginners. With just a few simple steps, you can create a batch of cookies that are not only delicious but also look stunning on any dessert table. This makes them a versatile recipe to keep in your baking repertoire.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
To keep these cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, although they’re likely to disappear much faster! For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and they’ll maintain their deliciousness for up to three months.
When it comes to serving, feel free to get creative! These cookies can be paired with a variety of dips, such as chocolate or caramel, for an extra indulgent treat. Alternatively, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience that will leave your guests raving.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup pistachios, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Decoration
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
- Pistachio pieces for garnish
Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor!
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped pistachios and ground cinnamon.
Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Cut the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Decorate
Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar and garnish with additional pistachio pieces.
Enjoy your festive Pistachio Cinnamon Star Cookies!
Baking Tips for Success
To ensure your Pistachio Cinnamon Star Cookies turn out perfectly, it’s crucial to measure your ingredients accurately. Using a kitchen scale can help you achieve the right ratios, especially with flour and butter. Additionally, be sure to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, as this will incorporate air into the mixture and help the cookies rise beautifully during baking.
Another essential tip is to chill the dough adequately. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in perfectly shaped stars that hold their form. If you find the dough too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a little extra flour while rolling it out.
Customization Ideas
Feel free to experiment with the flavor of these cookies! You can substitute the cinnamon with other spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a different taste experience. If you want to amp up the richness, consider adding a splash of almond extract alongside the vanilla. The possibilities are endless, and you can tailor the recipe to suit your preferences.
For an added crunch and flavor, try incorporating a mix of nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, in addition to the pistachios. This not only enhances the texture but also adds a delightful variety to each bite, making them even more enjoyable.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?
Yes, you can substitute pistachios with almonds or walnuts for a different flavor.
→ How should I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
→ What can I serve with these cookies?
These cookies pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk.
Pistachio Cinnamon Star Cookies
Delightful and festive, these Pistachio Cinnamon Star Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and sweet indulgences year-round.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Artisan Bakery Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup pistachios, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Decoration
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
- Pistachio pieces for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped pistachios and ground cinnamon.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar and garnish with additional pistachio pieces.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 2g