The shortcrust Christmas sticks are two-tone cookies, whose shape resembles candy cane twists.
Candy cane twists are typical white and red-striped sugar sticks, with a mint or cinnamon flavor, that are a must during the holidays.
For these cookies, I made the classic shortcrust pastry and the cocoa one; to both I added cinnamon to give that aromatic touch reminiscent of the smells and scents of Christmas.
Easy to make, these shortcrust Christmas sticks will win over the whole family!
For more recipes, check out the collection: Christmas Cookies
You can gift these cookies inside a Christmas Cookie Box
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 30 Minutes
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 25 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup butter
- 2 tbsps unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Steps
To make the shortcrust Christmas sticks, pour the flour and cold butter cut into pieces into a bowl. Knead until you get a sandy mixture.
Add the yolk, sugar, cinnamon and knead. It should result in a homogeneous mixture; if at first you see that it doesn’t knead quickly, don’t be discouraged and continue to mix the ingredients. It will result in a very smooth and compact dough.
Divide the dough into two pieces of the same weight, using a dough scraper or a knife.
Place the two doughs in separate bowls: in one, add the cocoa and mix to combine.
Wrap the two doughs with cling film and place them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
After the resting time, take the doughs, lightly flour the work surface, and shape both doughs into the same number of mini loaves, about 1/4 inch thick and as long as your pinky finger.
Bring a vanilla stick close to a cocoa one and twist the two sticks together. Make a slight twist to create a braided pattern.
Bend one side to form the classic Christmas stick shape and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in a preheated oven at 355°F for about 13-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let them cool before serving. Enjoy!
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