The sweet scent of vanilla and cinnamon fills the air, instantly transporting me back to my grandmother’s kitchen during the holidays. There’s something utterly comforting about baking cookies that takes me right to those cherished moments of laughter and warmth. When I discovered this delightful recipe for vanilla and cinnamon shortbread stars, it was like uncovering a little piece of nostalgia.
These buttery gems are not only simple to whip up, but they also bring a touch of festive cheer to any gathering, making them perfect for potlucks or cozy evenings at home. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just craving a delightful homemade treat, these cookies are sure to please. With each bite, you’re met with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and the delightful combination of cinnamon and vanilla that’s impossible to resist. Let’s dive into the joy of baking these charming shortbread stars that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why are vanilla & cinnamon shortbread stars irresistible?
Melt-in-your-mouth texture: These shortbread stars have a buttery, tender crumb that just melts in your mouth with every bite.
Simple to prepare: Master baking with ease; this straightforward recipe is perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers alike.
Nostalgic aroma: The heavenly scent of cinnamon and vanilla brings back cherished memories, sparking joy with every batch.
Festive appeal: Their delightful star shape makes these cookies ideal for holiday gatherings or as thoughtful gifts.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for potlucks or cozy nights in, you’ll have guests coming back for more! Embrace your baking journey with this recipe and enjoy a sweet treat while making memories.
Vanilla & Cinnamon Shortbread Stars Ingredients
For the Dough
- 250g butter – essential for that rich, buttery flavor that makes these cookies melt-in-your-mouth.
- 125g icing sugar mixture – adds a slight sweetness and helps create the perfect texture for these delicate stars.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract – the star ingredient that infuses the dough with warm, inviting flavor.
- 300g plain flour – the main structure of your cookies; make sure to measure accurately for best results.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – brings warmth and spice to the mix, making these vanilla & cinnamon shortbread stars truly delightful.
For the Topping
- 60g raw sugar – sprinkle on top to enhance sweetness and create a lovely crunch after baking.
How to Make Vanilla & Cinnamon Shortbread Stars
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Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Line two baking trays with non-stick baking paper to prevent the biscuits from sticking. This ensures a perfect bake for your cookies!
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Beat together the butter, icing sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl using an electric beater. Mix until the mixture turns pale and creamy, about 2-3 minutes—that’s when your kitchen will start to smell delightful!
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Stir in the plain flour and ground cinnamon gently until the dough begins to come together. Then, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until it’s smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest in the fridge for 15 minutes.
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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 65 delightful stars from the dough. Place them on the lined trays and pop the trays in the freezer for 15 minutes to chill—this helps them hold their shape while baking!
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Sprinkle the biscuits with raw sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and beautiful crunch. Bake them in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown—your kitchen will be filled with delicious aromas! Set aside the trays for 5 minutes to cool before transferring the cookies to a wire rack.
Optional: Dust with additional icing sugar for a festive touch before serving!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Vanilla & Cinnamon Shortbread Stars
Room Temperature: Keep your biscuits in an airtight container for up to 1 week to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, you can refrigerate cookies for up to 2 weeks, simply place them in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: These cookies freeze beautifully! Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: If you prefer them warm, gently reheat your vanilla & cinnamon shortbread stars in the oven at 160°C for about 5 minutes. Enjoy!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful vanilla & cinnamon shortbread stars are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time without sacrificing taste. You can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply shape it into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This helps to enhance the flavors and maintain the dough’s quality. Additionally, you can cut the star shapes and place them on the lined trays, then freeze them for up to 3 days before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, just bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have fresh, homemade treats ready with minimal effort!
Vanilla & Cinnamon Shortbread Stars Variations
Feel free to get creative and tailor these delightful shortbread stars to suit your tastes!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute plain flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a similar texture that everyone can enjoy.
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Nutty Twist: Add 50g of finely chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, into the dough for a lovely crunch and added flavor. A delightful surprise with each bite!
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Citrus Zing: Incorporate the zest of an orange or lemon into the dough for a refreshing burst of citrus that complements the vanilla beautifully.
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Chocolate Dipped: Dip the cooled cookies in melted dark chocolate for a decadent touch that transforms these stars into a rich masterpiece. Let the chocolate set before serving.
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Maple Infusion: Replace vanilla extract with maple syrup for a cozy fall twist, offering warm notes that pair wonderfully with the cinnamon.
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Spicy Heat: Spice things up by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough, creating a surprising flavor contrast that will have your taste buds dancing.
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Herbal Elegance: Infuse the dough with dried herbs like lavender or rosemary for a sophisticated and aromatic flavor profile that’s unique and delightful.
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Decorative Glaze: Drizzle a simple icing glaze made from icing sugar and water over the cooled biscuits for an elegant finish and extra sweetness.
What to Serve with Vanilla & Cinnamon Shortbread Stars?
Creating the perfect sweet moment to accompany these delightful biscuits makes every bite even sweeter!
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Rich Hot Chocolate: The creamy warmth complements the buttery goodness of the biscuits, making each sip a cozy experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A generous scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream balances the sweetness and adds a refreshing contrast to the spiced stars.
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Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai beautifully enhance the cinnamon flavor, creating a perfect harmony of warmth and sweetness.
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Fresh Berries: A side of vibrant, tart berries serves as a refreshing palate cleanser, brightening up the rich, buttery taste of the biscuits.
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Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey adds a touch of floral sweetness, enhancing the vanilla notes for a delightful finish to your treat.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream offers a silky texture that pairs perfectly with the crumbly goodness of your shortbread stars.
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Nutty Biscotti: A crunchy texture and nutty flavor work wonderfully as a dip for these cookies, adding an extra layer of indulgence.
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Lemonade Spritz: A zesty, refreshing drink counterbalances the richness of the biscuits, making it a delightful complement to your dessert experience.
Enjoy mingling these pairings with your vanilla & cinnamon shortbread stars and watch your moments of sweet togetherness flourish!
Expert Tips for Vanilla & Cinnamon Shortbread Stars
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Chill the dough: Ensuring the dough is chilled for 15 minutes before rolling helps maintain its shape and prevents spreading during baking.
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Accurate measurements: Use a kitchen scale for your ingredients, especially the flour, to ensure your vanilla & cinnamon shortbread stars are perfectly textured.
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Don’t overmix: When combining the flour and cinnamon into the buttery mixture, mix just until incorporated to keep your cookies tender and crumbly.
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Bake in batches: If you’re making a double batch, bake cookies in two separate rounds to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding in the oven.
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Watch for golden edges: Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges turn golden; they’ll continue to firm up while cooling on the tray.
Vanilla & Cinnamon Shortbread Stars Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right butter for the cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, it’s crucial to use unsalted butter at room temperature. Look for butters that are fresh and creamy, avoiding any with dark spots or separation. This will help create a rich, melt-in-your-mouth biscuit experience.
How should I store my vanilla & cinnamon shortbread stars?
Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you can refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks to maintain their delicious texture.
Can I freeze the shortbread stars?
Yes, these cookies freeze beautifully! Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the cookies cool completely, layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking, and seal the container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature—no need to bake again!
What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?
Very good question! If your dough feels too crumbly and isn’t coming together, you might need to add a teaspoon or two of cold water or a little more softened butter to help it combine. Just make sure to knead it gently until it’s smooth and cohesive.
Are these cookies suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
While delicious, these shortbread stars are not gluten-free due to the plain flour. If you’re baking for someone with gluten allergies, I recommend using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead. Additionally, the recipe contains dairy, but substitutes like coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free version.
What should I do if my biscuits spread too much while baking?
If you find your biscuits are spreading too much in the oven, it could be due to the dough being too warm. Make sure to chill the dough adequately before rolling it out and cutting the shapes. Additionally, chilling your trays in the freezer for 15 minutes before baking can also help maintain their star shape!
Delicious Vanilla & Cinnamon Shortbread Stars You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and line two baking trays with non-stick baking paper.
- Beat together the butter, icing sugar, and vanilla extract until pale and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in plain flour and ground cinnamon until the dough comes together, then knead until smooth.
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Roll out dough between sheets of baking paper to 5mm thick and cut out 65 star shapes.
- Place stars on trays and freeze for 15 minutes to hold shape while baking.
- Sprinkle biscuits with raw sugar and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool for 5 minutes on trays before transferring to a wire rack.
- Optional: Dust with icing sugar before serving.