Description

Delicious Punschsterne Christmas Cookies are traditional star-shaped cookies made with ground almonds and warm spices, lightly sweetened and infused with a non-alcoholic punch. These festive treats are perfect for the holiday season, offering a soft and slightly chewy texture with a fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Easy to prepare and bake, they add a joyful sparkle to any Christmas cookie platter.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely ground almonds
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cloves

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup non-alcoholic punch or juice (mix of apple juice, cranberry juice, and spices)
1 egg white

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Instructions

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend together the all-purpose flour, finely ground almonds, powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to ensure even distribution of the spices and base ingredients.
Beat Egg White: In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg white until stiff peaks form, creating a light and airy texture that will help give the cookies a delicate crumb. Gradually fold this into the dry ingredients carefully to maintain the air incorporated.
Add Liquid and Mix Dough: Pour in the non-alcoholic punch or juice composed of apple juice, cranberry juice, and spices. Gently mix until the dough comes together; it should be slightly sticky but workable for rolling out.
Chill Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to roll and cut into shapes.
Preheat Oven and Roll Dough: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness, then use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the cookies. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating the perfect baked texture without overbaking.
Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess and allowing them to set properly.
Optional Glaze: If you desire, prepare a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a splash of lemon juice or water. Drizzle or brush this over the cooled cookies to add a shiny, festive finish.

Notes

Ensure the egg white is beaten to stiff peaks before folding to help achieve a light texture.
Refrigerating the dough is essential for easier handling and prevents spreading during baking.
The non-alcoholic punch enhances flavor with fruity and spiced notes, but you can adjust the juice mix to your taste.
Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
For gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
The optional glaze adds an elegant touch but is not necessary for flavor.