Little Christmas trees and hearts for children

Christmas cookies in the shape of Christmas trees and hearts

The winter holidays are approaching, and the scent of cinnamon and sweet bread envelops our senses, evoking cherished memories. What could be more beautiful than preparing a delicious batch of cookies in the shape of Christmas trees and hearts to offer to caroling children? This simple and quick cookie recipe is perfect for bringing joy into our homes and spreading the holiday spirit.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 20 cookies

Ingredients:
- 250 g flour
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond essence
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 150 g butter at room temperature, cut into cubes
- 100 g almond powder
- 1 egg
- Almond flakes (for decoration)
- Green coconut flakes (for trees)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter. This will make mixing easier and help achieve a fine texture for the cookies. Measure all ingredients before starting, so you don’t waste time searching for them along the way.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour, dry yeast, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Use a spatula or whisk to combine them well. This step is essential to ensure an even distribution of the yeast, which will help the cookies rise uniformly during baking.

3. Incorporating the wet ingredients: Add the almond essence and milk to the dry ingredient mixture. Start mixing with a spatula or your hands, then incorporate the cubed butter. Knead the mixture until it becomes homogeneous and easy to handle. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little extra flour.

4. Resting the dough: Form a ball from the dough and let it rest in the bowl, covered with a clean towel, for 15 minutes. This rest will allow the gluten to relax, making it easier for you to roll out the dough.

5. Rolling out the dough: After the dough has rested, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the dough to a thickness of about 3 mm. Use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness.

6. Cutting the cookies: Use cookie cutters in the shape of trees and hearts to cut out the dough. Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to expand during baking.

7. Decorating the cookies: Lightly beat the egg and brush the surface of each cookie with a brush. On the tree-shaped cookies, sprinkle a few green coconut flakes for a special look. On the hearts, add an almond flake, which will add a crunchy contrast.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the cookies for 15 minutes or until they are lightly golden at the edges. Be careful not to leave them too long, as they may become dry.

9. Cooling and serving: Once the cookies are done, let them cool on a cooling rack. Once cooled, you can store them in an airtight container, where they will stay fresh and delicious for a few days.

Serving suggestions:
These delicious cookies are perfect to be given as holiday gifts, but they can also be enjoyed alongside a cup of hot chocolate or a fragrant tea. For an elegant touch, serve them with a caramel sauce or chocolate glaze.

Possible variations:
- You can experiment with different flavors by adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an extra kick.
- Instead of almond flakes, you can use chopped nuts or fine chocolate for decoration.

Frequently asked questions:
1. What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
Answer: Add a little flour to make it easier to handle.

2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Answer: Yes, but you should reduce the amount of salt in the recipe if necessary.

3. How can I store the cookies?
Answer: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.

Nutritional benefits:
These cookies contain simple yet nutrient-rich ingredients. The butter provides healthy fats, and almond powder is an excellent source of protein and fiber. Additionally, the cookies can be adapted to be healthier by using natural sweeteners or whole wheat flour.

Now that you know how to prepare these delicious cookies in the shape of trees and hearts, don’t hesitate to get started. They will surely be a hit among the little ones and not only! The holidays can truly be magical, and these cookies are a perfect way to add a touch of joy and love to every carol. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 250g flour, 1 teaspoon dry yeast, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 packet vanilla sugar, almond essence, 6 tablespoons milk, 150g butter, 100g almond powder, 1 egg, almond flakes

 Tags:  small fir trees cookies biscuits