Pistachio Cinnamon Star Cookies
Highlighted under: Family Baking Recipes
Delight in the festive flavors of Pistachio Cinnamon Star Cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings and as charming gifts.
Pistachio Cinnamon Star Cookies combine the nutty crunch of pistachios with the warm spice of cinnamon, creating a delightful treat that is both festive and delicious. These cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations or as a sweet indulgence to enjoy with a cup of tea.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Unique blend of nutty pistachios and aromatic cinnamon
- Beautiful star shape perfect for holiday presentations
- Simple recipe that brings joy to bakers of all levels
A Festive Treat for All Occasions
Pistachio Cinnamon Star Cookies embody the essence of the holiday season, offering a delightful combination of flavors that make them perfect for any festive gathering. Their unique blend of nutty pistachios and fragrant cinnamon provides a warm, inviting taste that is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you're celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or simply enjoying a cozy winter day, these cookies add a touch of joy to any occasion.
Not only are these cookies delicious, but they also make for charming gifts. Their beautiful star shape and vibrant green pistachios make them visually appealing, ensuring they’ll stand out as thoughtful presents for friends and family. Package them in decorative tins or cellophane bags, and you’ll have a delightful gift that showcases your baking talents and festive spirit.
Baking Made Easy
One of the best features of this recipe is its simplicity. Even novice bakers can achieve impressive results with just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps. The creaming method used for the dough ensures a light and tender cookie, while the chilling process makes it easy to handle and shape. This recipe not only brings joy to seasoned bakers but also encourages beginners to dive into the world of baking with confidence.
The versatility of this recipe allows for modifications, too! Feel free to experiment with different nuts or spices to make it your own. Almonds or walnuts could be substituted for pistachios, and adding a hint of nutmeg or cardamom could elevate the flavor profile even further. The possibilities are endless, making these cookies a staple for holiday baking.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients before you start baking for a smoother experience.
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup pistachios, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Decoration
- Additional chopped pistachios
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Make sure to have everything ready before you start mixing.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious cookies.
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour, pistachios, cinnamon, and salt, mixing until well combined.
Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is chilling.
Shape the Cookies
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Decorate
Once cooled, sprinkle the cookies with additional chopped pistachios and a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Enjoy your cookies with friends and family!
Tips for Perfect Cookies
To ensure your Pistachio Cinnamon Star Cookies turn out perfectly, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Using a kitchen scale can help you achieve the right ratios, especially for flour. Additionally, when creaming the butter and sugar, be sure to do so until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
When rolling out the dough, flour your surface generously to prevent sticking. If the dough feels too soft or sticky, chilling it for a little longer can make it easier to handle. Remember, a well-chilled dough will hold its shape better while baking and lead to beautiful, evenly shaped cookies.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, maintaining their freshness and flavor. For longer storage, consider freezing the baked cookies. Simply layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they will keep well for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving these cookies with a warm cup of spiced chai or hot cocoa creates a delightful pairing that enhances their flavors. They also make an excellent addition to a holiday cookie platter, where their vibrant color and star shape can shine among other treats. Your guests will appreciate this festive touch and will surely be coming back for more!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use salted pistachios?
Yes, you can use salted pistachios, but you may want to reduce the added salt in the recipe.
→ 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 dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before rolling out.
→ What can I substitute for butter?
You can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free version.
Pistachio Cinnamon Star Cookies
Delight in the festive flavors of Pistachio Cinnamon Star Cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings and as charming gifts.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Family Baking Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup pistachios, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Decoration
- Additional chopped pistachios
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour, pistachios, cinnamon, and salt, mixing until well combined.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is chilling.
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Once cooled, sprinkle the cookies with additional chopped pistachios and a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 40mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 2g