Name: Filled Cinnamon Stars with Plum Jam and Dark Chocolate Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 250 g flour; 150 g sugar; 1 pinch of salt; 2 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp baking cocoa; 1 tsp baking powder; 120 g butter; 1 egg; approx. 100 g plum jam; 200 g dark chocolate; ½ tsp coconut oil

Introduction

Filled cinnamon stars with plum jam are a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon cookies, made without nuts and featuring a tender shortcrust dough flavored with cinnamon and cocoa. These festive treats, topped with rich dark chocolate and a sweet plum jam center, are perfect for the holiday season or any cozy gathering.

Star-shaped cookies with two layers of light brown dough are arranged on a black wire cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a hollow star cutout in the center, filled with glossy dark chocolate or deep red jam that contrasts with the matte cookie texture. The top layer of some cookies is dipped in shiny chocolate on two consecutive points, adding a smooth, rich detail. In the background, a white bowl with chocolate drips and some star-shaped cookie cutters are partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, cocoa, and baking powder. Add butter and egg, then quickly knead everything into a smooth shortcrust pastry. If the dough feels too soft, chill it briefly in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Preheat the oven to 180 °C (fan-forced) and line a baking tray with baking paper.

Step 3: Roll out the dough evenly on a lightly floured surface. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out stars, then use a smaller star cutter to cut out the center of half the stars to create lids.

Step 4: Arrange the cookies on the baking tray and bake for 10–12 minutes, depending on size. The cookies should be lightly baked and not too dark. Allow them to cool completely.

Step 5: Melt the dark chocolate with the coconut oil over a water bath or carefully in the microwave. Decorate the star-shaped lids with the melted chocolate by drizzling with a spoon or piping with a small bag.

Step 6: Spread a little plum jam on each whole star cookie. Place a chocolate-decorated lid on top.

Step 7: Gently warm any remaining plum jam to loosen it, then carefully place some jam into the centers of the cookies.

Step 8: Allow the filled cinnamon stars to dry and the flavors to meld before storing them in an airtight cookie tin.

Tips & Variations

For a different flavor, try apricot or raspberry jam instead of plum jam.

If you prefer a crispier texture, bake the cookies for an extra 1–2 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Use a mix of dark and milk chocolate for a sweeter decoration.

Chill the dough before rolling to make cutting out shapes easier and to prevent sticking.

Storage

Store the filled cinnamon stars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. They keep well in a tin, and their flavor improves after a day or two as the jam infuses the cookies. If you want to reheat, warm gently in the oven for a few minutes to soften the jam slightly, but they are best enjoyed at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days before rolling and cutting the cookies.

What if I don’t have a fan-forced oven?

If your oven doesn’t have a fan, bake the cookies at 190 °C and check a few minutes earlier for doneness, as cooking times may vary slightly.