There’s something enchanting about the subtle dance of warm vanilla and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen. As the butter melts and blends with the sugar, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me, reminding me of cozy afternoons spent baking with loved ones.
These Vanilla & Cinnamon Shortbread Stars are more than just a delightful treat; they’re a canvas for creativity and a standout addition to any festive gathering. You’d be surprised at how effortlessly this elegant treat comes together. With just a handful of ingredients and a breeze of instructions, you’ll have a batch of charming biscuits that will impress guests without causing you any stress.
Perfect for a holiday cookie swap or simply to enjoy with your favorite cup of tea, each buttery bite is a delightful reminder of the comforts of homemade goodness. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that’s sure to bring smiles and warm memories to your table!
Why will you love Vanilla & Cinnamon Shortbread Stars?
Simplicity at its Best: This recipe requires just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
Irresistible Aroma: The warm blend of vanilla and cinnamon infuses your kitchen with a cozy scent that evokes nostalgia.
Versatile Delight: Shaped as charming stars, these biscuits can be enjoyed year-round, whether for holidays or everyday treats.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: They look stunning on any dessert platter, ensuring you’ll be the favorite at gatherings.
Quick & Easy: With minimal chilling and baking time, you’ll have delectable cookies ready to enjoy in no time! Whether you’re an experienced chef or just looking for a lovely homemade snack, these biscuits will tantalize your taste buds. For more delightful treats, check out our easy guide on holiday baking essentials.
Vanilla & Cinnamon Shortbread Stars Ingredients
Unlock the secrets to these delicious biscuits!
For the Dough
• 250g butter – ensures a rich, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
• 125g icing sugar mixture – provides the perfect sweetness without grittiness.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract – enhances the warm flavor, making them irresistibly aromatic.
• 300g plain flour – forms the base of your dough, giving it structure.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon – adds a delightful spice that perfectly complements the vanilla.
• 60g raw sugar – for a sweet crunch on top, elevating your cookie experience.
These Vanilla & Cinnamon Shortbread Stars will have everyone coming back for more!
How to Make Vanilla & Cinnamon Shortbread Stars
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Preheat Oven: First, set your oven to 160°C (320°F) and line two baking trays with non-stick baking paper. This ensures your stars bake evenly and come off easily once done.
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Cream Ingredients: In a bowl, use an electric beater to blend together the butter, icing sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is pale and creamy. This should take about 3-5 minutes for that perfect fluffy texture!
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Combine Dry Ingredients: Gently stir in the plain flour and ground cinnamon until the dough starts to come together. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and slightly glossy.
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Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disc and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for 15 minutes to rest—this step is essential for achieving a perfect texture!
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Roll & Cut: Once chilled, roll out the dough between two sheets of non-stick baking paper until it’s about 5mm thick. Use a 5cm-diameter star-shaped pastry cutter to cut out approximately 65 stars.
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Freeze the Stars: Place the cut stars on your lined trays and place them in the freezer for another 15 minutes. This helps them maintain their shape as they bake.
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Bake: Sprinkle the tops with raw sugar, then bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, swapping the trays halfway through. Keep an eye on them until they turn golden brown and fragrant!
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Cool Down: Let the biscuits sit on the trays for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set properly and enhances the texture.
Optional: Serve with a light dusting of icing sugar for an extra touch of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Vanilla & Cinnamon Shortbread Stars
Fridge: Store your cooled Vanilla & Cinnamon Shortbread Stars in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This keeps them fresh and delicious, ready for a quick treat anytime!
Freezer: For longer storage, place the biscuits in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just ensure they’re well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen stars, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. They’ll taste as delightful as fresh-baked!
Reheating: If desired, you can gently reheat them in a warm oven (150°C/300°F) for a few minutes to restore that buttery softness before serving.
Make Ahead Options
These Vanilla & Cinnamon Shortbread Stars are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the initial steps of creaming the butter, icing sugar, and vanilla, and then combining it with the flour and cinnamon. Once rolled out and cut into star shapes, the biscuits can be chilled in the freezer for up to 3 days—just make sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to bake, simply take them directly from the freezer, sprinkle with raw sugar, and pop them in the oven. With these make ahead tips, you’ll have warm, buttery cookies ready to delight your family with minimal last-minute effort!
Vanilla & Cinnamon Shortbread Stars Variations
Customize these charming biscuits to suit your taste and dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free: Swap plain flour for a gluten-free blend to make these biscuits suitable for celiacs or those with gluten sensitivities. They’re just as buttery and delightful!
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Nutty Flavor: Add 50g of finely chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, to the dough for a delicious crunch that complements the warm spices.
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Chocolate-Dipped: After baking, dip half of each biscuit in melted dark or white chocolate, then let them set on parchment paper for a decadent touch.
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Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of one orange or lemon into your dough for a bright, refreshing twist that balances the sweetness.
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Spice it Up: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom. Just a dash will elevate the complexity of your biscuits.
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Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute and use powdered sugar made from coconut or another plant-based sweetener.
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Sweet Swaps: Use honey or maple syrup instead of icing sugar for a more natural sweetener, adjusting the quantities slightly for perfect texture.
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Chili Infusion: For a surprising kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dough—not too much, just enough for a subtle heat that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
Let your imagination run wild with these variations, ensuring each batch of Vanilla & Cinnamon Shortbread Stars is as unique as the memories they create!
Expert Tips for Vanilla & Cinnamon Shortbread Stars
Chill the Dough: Ensure you chill the dough as directed. This helps the biscuits maintain their star shape during baking, avoiding spreading.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients, mix just until they come together. Overmixing can lead to tough biscuits, defeating the melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh ground cinnamon. It enhances the taste of your Vanilla & Cinnamon Shortbread Stars significantly.
Watch the Oven: Keep an eye on the biscuits as they bake. Since every oven is different, they can go from golden to burnt quickly!
Cool Completely: Allow the biscuits to cool fully on a wire rack before stacking or serving. This prevents them from becoming soggy and ensures a delightful crunch.
What to Serve with Vanilla & Cinnamon Shortbread Stars?
Indulging in the warm, buttery flavors of these delightful biscuits opens the door to a world of perfect pairings that elevate your snacking experience.
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Spiced Chai Latte: The rich spices in chai enhance the cinnamon, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Cozy up with this comforting drink as they complement each other beautifully.
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Freshly Brewed Coffee: Nothing beats the classic combination of coffee and cookies. The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the shortbread, making each bite even more enjoyable.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream contrasts splendidly with the buttery stars, creating a delightful dessert experience. Scoop it on top for an indulgent treat!
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Fruit Salad with Mint: Bright and refreshing, a mix of seasonal fruits and a touch of mint adds freshness that enhances the cookies’ warm flavors. This pairing is perfect for a vibrant dessert spread.
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Hot Chocolate Drizzle: Serve your shortbread with a light drizzle of warm hot chocolate for a decadent dessert option the whole family will adore. The richness of chocolate highlights the warm spices of the biscuits.
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Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet adds a refreshing twist, cutting through the butteriness of the biscuits and cleansing the palate, making every bite feel light.
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Red Velvet Cupcakes: Celebrate with festive red velvet cupcakes that create a stunning dessert table. The cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully, offering a rich counterpart to the shortbread stars.
Each of these pairings invites you to create a delightful experience that brings friends and family together around the table, celebrating the joy of homemade treats.
Vanilla & Cinnamon Shortbread Stars Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the butter, go for unsalted and ensure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming. If you can, choose fresh vanilla extract for a more vibrant flavor, and check that your ground cinnamon is fragrant. Fresh spices make all the difference in these Vanilla & Cinnamon Shortbread Stars!
What’s the best way to store my cooked biscuits?
Very! Once your biscuits are cool, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To keep them fresh, ensure the container is sealed tightly, and feel free to add a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze these biscuits, and if so, how?
Absolutely! Place the cooled Vanilla & Cinnamon Shortbread Stars in a single layer in a freezer-safe container lined with parchment paper. You can also wrap them individually in plastic wrap. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour while kneading on the work surface. Aim for a smooth and soft consistency. Remember, overworking the dough can make the biscuits tough, so mix just enough until combined.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Very! This recipe contains gluten and dairy, so if you’re baking for someone with allergies, consider using gluten-free flour or a dairy substitute for butter, such as coconut oil or a plant-based margarine. Always check ingredient labels to ensure safety for your loved ones!
Delicious Vanilla & Cinnamon Shortbread Stars for Everyone
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat Oven: First, set your oven to 160°C (320°F) and line two baking trays with non-stick baking paper.
- Cream Ingredients: In a bowl, use an electric beater to blend together the butter, icing sugar, and vanilla extract until pale and creamy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gently stir in the plain flour and ground cinnamon until the dough starts to come together.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disc and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for 15 minutes.
- Roll & Cut: Roll out the dough between two sheets of non-stick baking paper until about 5mm thick and cut out stars.
- Freeze the Stars: Place the cut stars on your lined trays and freeze for another 15 minutes.
- Bake: Sprinkle with raw sugar and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool Down: Let the biscuits sit on the trays for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.