Decorative biscuits for the Christmas tree
The wonder of Christmas is that, when it finally arrives, it brings with it the desire to use one’s imagination to make handicrafts with which to delight your guests, or simply to decorate your house in an original way to create a friendly atmosphere in which to pass time with friends and family. Today we are making something unusual for your home, some decorative biscuits for hanging on your Christmas tree, thereby making it even more beautiful and attractive than usual, especially in the eyes of the children who can look forward to snacking on some decorative reindeers! Unlike traditional and characterless baubles, they help to give that extra bit of warmth to your house, and also give us the satisfaction of entertaining the little gluttons if only for a few minutes!
Ingredients
* approximate values per serving
Preparation
In a food mixer, combine the flour, icing sugar, cinnamon and softened butter until you get a crumbly dough; add an egg and mix again until the dough takes on the shape of a dense and compact ball. Wrap the dough with cling film and let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes. Then roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 5 mm. Using some Christmas-themed biscuit cutters, make your shapes and add a small hole at the top of the biscuit, using a tiny round biscuit cutter. Bake at 180°C for 15-18 minutes. Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze: beat the egg whites with the icing sugar and a few drops of lemon juice until pretty firm and glossy. Divide the icing into two or three parts and add different food colourings to them. Take the biscuits and decorate them as it takes your fancy. You can do simple white outlines using the silver icing, or using the red and green colours make small decorations like leaves and berries. Let the glaze dry and attach a ribbon to the biscuits to hang on the Christmas tree.
Step by step
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Cut out Christmas shapes with a biscuit cutter
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With a very small biscuit cutter, cut a small hole at the top of each shape for attaching to the tree
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Line a baking tray with some lightly greased baking parchment and arrange the biscuits on it
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Bake for 15-18 minutes at 180°C
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Remove from the oven and leave to cool on a wire grill
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Take your biscuits and decorate them with some icing as you please
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To make a holly leaf, first do the leaves with green icing and then the berries with red icing.
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Once all the biscuits are decorated, leave them to dry until the icing becomes hard
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Roll out the pastry to a thickness of 5mm
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Put a ribbon through the hole you created earlier and hang them on your tree
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Additional information
Sweet Decorations for the Christmas Tree with Lemon
A tasty variant of sweet decorations for the Christmas tree is the one with the addition of lemon. The freshness of the lemon juice and zest makes these cookies even more aromatic, offering a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of powdered sugar and the warmth of cinnamon. To prepare the lemon sweet decorations, simply incorporate the juice of one lemon and the grated zest into the original dough. This adjustment not only enriches the flavor but also gives off an intoxicating aroma reminiscent of the holidays. These decorated cookies can be used to beautify the Christmas tree, but also as a delicious gift to share with friends and family during the celebrations. Make sure to let the lemon glaze dry well on the cookies before hanging them, to ensure a perfect decoration.
Sweet Decorations for the Christmas Tree from Lazio
A regional variant of sweet decorations for the Christmas tree is inspired by the Lazio tradition. In this preparation, typical ingredients from the region can be included, such as acacia honey and local spices. The cookies can be enriched with chopped walnuts or almonds, adding a crunch and unique flavor. The recipe remains essentially the same, but the addition of these typical Lazio ingredients gives a touch of authenticity. You might also consider decorating the cookies with a honey-based glaze, which will not only be delicious but will also have a shiny and inviting appearance. These cookies represent a way to bring a bit of Lazio tradition into your home during the holiday season.
Light Sweet Decorations for the Christmas Tree
For those who want a lighter version of sweet decorations for the Christmas tree, there is a light recipe that substitutes some ingredients without compromising flavor. By using light butter or margarine instead of traditional butter, and brown sugar instead of powdered sugar, it is possible to significantly reduce calories. Additionally, you can opt for egg whites instead of whole eggs, while still maintaining the desired consistency of the dough. These light cookies can be decorated with a glaze made from Greek yogurt and natural sweeteners, making them perfect for those following a more careful diet. Don't forget to add a pinch of cinnamon to keep that festive flavor we all love.
Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Decorations for the Christmas Tree
Sweet decorations for the Christmas tree, while being a delicious preparation, can offer some nutritional benefits. The "00" flour, the main ingredient, provides complex carbohydrates, while cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, butter, when consumed in moderation, provides good fats and fat-soluble vitamins. A cookie from this preparation has an average caloric intake of about 70-80 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used. It is important to remember that, although these treats are a pleasure during the holidays, it is always advisable to consume them in moderation, especially for those on a controlled diet.
Can Sweet Decorations for the Christmas Tree Be Frozen?
Of course, sweet decorations for the Christmas tree can be frozen without any problems. For optimal storage, it is advisable to let them cool completely after baking. Once cool, you can place them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. This way, you will prevent them from sticking together and preserve their freshness. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you decide to use them, simply let them thaw at room temperature, and if necessary, you can also apply a light layer of glaze or powdered sugar to revive them. This way, you can enjoy your decorative cookies even after the holidays!