These delightful cookies are perfect for the holiday season, combining warm spices with a festive decoration.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Preheating ensures even baking from the start.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
Sifting the dry ingredients can help avoid lumps.
Cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Use cold butter for a better texture.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk, then pour into the dry mixture.
Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness.
Chill the dough if it's too soft to handle.
Cut the dough into 2-inch circles and place them on a baking sheet.
Use a cookie cutter for uniform shapes.
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, then let them cool on a rack.
Watch closely to prevent overbaking.
Spread a small amount of jam on the bottom of one cookie and sandwich with another.
Use a piping bag for precise application.
Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to create a glaze, then spread it on the top of each cookie.
Adjust the glaze consistency with more milk or sugar.
Decorate with cinnamon candies and paint holly leaves using green food coloring.
Let the glaze set slightly before decorating.
Allow the cookies to set completely before serving.
Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
