As golden leaves begin to swirl over Candy Cane Courtyard and the chill of early autumn nips at mittened fingertips, the kitchens of Santa’s Village are already brimming with warm spices and baking magic. In this crisp and cozy atmosphere, our next cookie is a shining seasonal standout: the ✨Cinnamon Starbursts.
Cookie #7 in our festive countdown bridges the sweetness of summer’s end and the sparkle of the coming winter, offering bursts of cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg shaped into glittering stars. These cookies are a perennial favorite among elves preparing for holiday rush rehearsals and cozy campfire caroling in Frostberry Forest.
⭐ Cookie Spotlight: Cinnamon Starbursts
Elf Origin:
These celestial treats were first baked by Elliot “Spicefinger” McTwinkle, the head spice-shelf keeper at the Workshop Pantry. Known for his unmatched spice-blending skills and habit of humming Christmas carols year-round, Elliot developed the Cinnamon Starbursts to keep morale high as the North Pole shifts from sunscreen to scarves.
🧝♂️ Elf Commentary (Maple Sugarsprocket): “Cinnamon Starbursts are like hugging a mug of cider. Crunchy, spicy, and downright magical!”
📝 Recipe: Cinnamon Starbursts
Yields: ~24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 8–10 minutes
✨ Ingredients:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- Sparkling sugar or cinnamon-sugar blend for garnish
🥣 Instructions:
- Cream It Up: In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Mix & Chill: Gradually blend the dry mixture into the wet until dough forms. Wrap and chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Shape the Stars: Roll out dough on a floured surface and use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut cookies. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Garnish & Bake: Sprinkle with sparkling sugar or cinnamon-sugar blend. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
✨ Elf Tip:
For extra autumn flair, dip half the cookie in white chocolate and top with a dash of cinnamon or edible gold dust. Perfect for fall feasts or elf council meetings!
👀 Coming Next:
Cookie #8 takes us into even cozier territory with a nod to holiday campfires — Marshmallow Meltaways are next in line!
