If you’re looking for a delightful treat to fill your kitchen with the scent of holiday cheer, look no further than Cinnamon Star Cookies, or “Zimtsterne” as they’re called in Germany. These cookies are the perfect festive addition to any occasion, not just during the holiday season. Made from finely ground almonds and infused with warm cinnamon, they’re not just delicious, but also surprisingly easy to make from scratch. The simple ingredients include sweet powdered sugar and fresh egg whites, giving you a tender, chewy texture that melts in your mouth. What truly sets them apart is the glossy icing that tops these star-shaped beauties, turning them into an irresistible centerpiece on any dessert table.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cookie swap, or just to enjoy with a warm cup of tea, these German Cinnamon Star Cookies will not disappoint. Their beautiful shape and sweet flavor will impress friends and family alike. The preparation might take a bit of time, but the result is well worth the effort. Not only do these cookies taste fantastic, but they also evoke the nostalgia of Christmas markets and festive cheer, making them a delightful treat that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Star Cookies Recipe
- Perfect Holiday Treat: These cookies are a traditional German holiday favorite that everyone looks forward to.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create these delicious cookies at home!
- Gluten-Free: Made primarily from almonds, these cookies are naturally gluten-free, making them perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Beautiful Presentation: The star shape and glossy icing make them a stunning addition to any dessert platter.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding spices or experimenting with different toppings!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into making these delightful Cinnamon Star Cookies, ensure your kitchen is set up perfectly. Start by gathering all ingredients listed, such as finely ground almonds, powdered sugar, and your spices. You won’t need many specialty tools, but having an electric mixer for whipping the egg whites makes the process easier and more efficient. You’ll also want a rolling pin and two sheets of parchment paper to roll out the dough without creating a mess.
Having a star-shaped cookie cutter is essential for this recipe, but you can get creative with whatever fun shapes you have on hand. Remember to line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. A pastry brush is beneficial for applying the icing smoothly. Prepare a clean working area, and you’ll be set to start the fun baking journey!
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups finely ground almonds
- 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 large egg white (for icing)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (for icing)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups of finely ground almonds, 1 3/4 cups of powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix these dry ingredients together thoroughly until they are well incorporated. This mixture will create the base for your cookies, providing a lovely flavor and texture.
Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites
In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the two large egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This step is crucial as it introduces air, giving your cookies a light and airy texture. Once the egg whites are ready, gently fold in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
Step 3: Combine Mixtures
Now it’s time to bring the two mixtures together! Carefully fold the whipped egg white mixture into the dry ingredients, ensuring not to deflate the air you’ve incorporated. This should result in a sticky, cohesive dough that holds together well.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough is essential, as it makes it easier to roll out and cut shapes without it sticking to surfaces.
Step 5: Preheat and Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This sets the stage for the baking process and ensures your cookies will bake evenly without burning.
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough is chilled, place it between two sheets of parchment paper and use a rolling pin to roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. This thickness is ideal for cutting out star shapes that hold their form during baking.
Step 7: Cut Out the Stars
Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, press down into the rolled-out dough and transfer the star shapes onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave a little space between each cookie, as they will expand slightly in the oven.
Step 8: Make the Icing
For the icing, whisk one egg white in a bowl until it becomes frothy. Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice, whisking the mixture until it’s thick and smooth. This icing will give your cookies that perfect shine!
Step 9: Icing the Cookies
Using a pastry brush, apply a thin layer of icing onto each cookie, making sure to cover them evenly. This is what’s responsible for that deliciously sweet exterior!
Step 10: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake the cookies between 10 to 12 minutes, or until you notice that the icing is set and the cookies are firm but not browned. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking!
Step 11: Cool and Serve
Once the cookies are done, transfer them to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving or decorating further. This cooling process is important as it allows the flavors to settle and the cookies to firm up for perfect enjoyment.
Variations
- Protein: Try adding a bit of almond extract for an extra almondy flavor or use different types of nuts ground into flour for added tastes.
- Vegetables: While not traditional for cookies, incorporating finely grated carrot enhances flavor and adds unexpected moisture to the dough.
- Spices: Experiment with spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to give your cookies a unique twist!
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your almonds are finely ground for a smoother texture in the final cookie.
- When beating egg whites, make sure your bowls and utensils are free from any grease, as this can prevent them from whipping up properly.
Serving Suggestions
- These cookies pair perfectly with a warm cup of tea or coffee, enhancing their flavors.
- Try serving them alongside other holiday cookies for a festive cookie platter!
Tips
- For added decoration, sprinkle a bit of edible glitter on the cookies before the icing sets!
- If the dough feels too sticky while rolling, dust it with a little powdered sugar to make it easier to handle.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 80 per cookie
- Protein: 2 grams
- Sodium: 1 milligram
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of ground almonds?
No, this recipe relies on ground almonds, which are essential for the cookie’s texture and flavor.
How long can I store the cookies?
You can store these cookies in an airtight container for about a week at room temperature.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, the cookie dough can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before rolling and cutting.
How do I know when they are done baking?
The cookies are done when the icing is set and they feel firm to the touch but are not browned.
Conclusion
In conclusion, baking these delightful Cinnamon Star Cookies is a wonderful way to bring some festive joy into your home. The blend of almond and cinnamon not only creates a rich flavor but also wraps you in nostalgia with every bite. With their elegant appearance and satisfying flavor, they’re sure to impress everyone, from family to guests. Don’t hesitate to try different variations to make this recipe your own! We encourage you to share your experiences or thoughts in the comments below — we’d love to hear how your baking adventure went!
Print
Cinnamon Star Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
- Yield: about 24 cookies 1x
Description
If you’re looking for a delightful treat to fill your kitchen with the scent of holiday cheer, look no further than Cinnamon Star Cookies, or "Zimtsterne" as they’re called in Germany.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups finely ground almonds
- 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 large egg white (for icing)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (for icing)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups of finely ground almonds, 1 3/4 cups of powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix these dry ingredients together thoroughly until they are well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the two large egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Gently fold in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Carefully fold the whipped egg white mixture into the dry ingredients, ensuring not to deflate the air you’ve incorporated.
- Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Once the dough is chilled, place it between two sheets of parchment paper and use a rolling pin to roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, press down into the rolled-out dough and transfer the star shapes onto the prepared baking sheets.
- For the icing, whisk one egg white in a bowl until it becomes frothy. Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice, whisking until it’s thick and smooth.
- Using a pastry brush, apply a thin layer of icing onto each cookie.
- Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake the cookies between 10 to 12 minutes.
- Once the cookies are done, transfer them to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving.
Notes
These cookies pair perfectly with a warm cup of tea or coffee, enhancing their flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 80 kcal per cookie
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Protein: 2 g