Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Special equipment needed:
- Piping bag with small round tip
- Small candy eyes
- Small candy hearts
- Small candy noses
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the flour, salt, and cinnamon to the mixing bowl and mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll the dough into small balls, about the size of a marble.
5. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Use the piping bag to pipe the dough into the shape of a mouse, with a pointed nose and two rounded ears.
7. Bake the mice for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
8. Remove the mice from the oven and allow them to cool for 5 minutes.
9. While the mice are still warm, roll them in the powdered sugar to coat them completely.
10. Place the candy eyes, hearts, and noses on the mice to create their faces.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
Makes approximately 24 mice
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 80
Total fat: 5g
Saturated fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 25mg
Total carbohydrates: 8g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but omit the salt in the recipe.
- Brown sugar can be used instead of granulated sugar for a slightly different flavor.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dough for a spicier flavor.
- Use different shaped candies for the eyes, nose, and heart to create different animal faces.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before mixing it with the sugar.
- Use a small round tip for the piping bag to create the mice shapes more easily.
- Roll the dough balls tightly to prevent the mice from spreading too much during baking.
Storage instructions:
Store the cinnamon sugar mice in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
The mice can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to crisp them up again.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the mice on a platter with some cheese and crackers for a cute and festive appetizer.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle some extra powdered sugar over the mice before serving for a snowy effect.
Pairings:
Serve the cinnamon sugar mice with hot cocoa or apple cider for a cozy winter treat.
Suggested side dishes:
These mice are a sweet treat on their own, but they could also be served alongside savory snacks like popcorn or pretzels.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to bring it together.
- If the mice spread too much during baking, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before shaping and baking.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and work surfaces thoroughly before preparing the dough and shaping the mice.
Food history:
Cinnamon sugar mice are a traditional holiday treat in many European countries, particularly in Germany and Scandinavia.
Flavor profiles:
These cinnamon sugar mice are sweet and buttery with a warm cinnamon flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the mice on a festive platter with other holiday treats like gingerbread cookies and candy canes.
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Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Cinnamon, Sugary, Cinnamon-Y