Cinnamon star cookies are a very unique Christmas cookie variation that you will not find in other countries recipes. These glazed cinnamon nut cookies have a distinct flavor that makes them one of the most beloved German cookies.
To make these cinnamon stars you need a little patience and practice when it comes to make their signature frosting.
But even if you do not master this process in the first attempt to make these cookies, they will still taste amazing!
How cinnamon stars called in German?
Cinnamon stars are called "Zimtsterne".
How to pronounce "Zimtsterne"?
Listen to this audio file to hear how to say "Zimtsterne" in German.
Authentic German Cinnamon Stars - Zimtsterne Recipe
Glazed Cinnamon Nut Cookies - Zimtsterne
Ingredients
- 2 cups ground almonds
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 4 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 egg whites
- 2 tbsp. almond liqueur OR 1 tbsp. pure almond extract
Glaze
- 1 egg white
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Blend almonds, powdered sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add egg whites and almond liqueur or almond extract.
- Knead all ingredients to a smooth dough.
- Wrap the dough into cling wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Sprinkle your working surface with powdered sugar.
- To roll out the dough, work with a quarter of the dough at a time.
- Roll dough out to ¼-inch in thickness.
- With a floured cookie cutter, cut out stars and place them on the baking sheets.
- For the glaze, beat egg white with powdered sugar.
- Brush stars with the glaze and bake for 10 to 15 min.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Nutrition
Yield: 1 CookieCalories: 113kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 2gFat: 5gFiber: 2gSugar: 14gNet Carbohydrates: 15g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Sandee says
When you call for finely ground almonds, Can I use almond flour?
Angela Schofield says
Hi Sandee, You can use almond flour or almond meal, but make sure that the sole ingredient are real whole almonds; occasionally almond flour is made from only parts of the nut or leftovers after pressing oil. I would not recommend fine almond flour. I personally prefer finely chopped almonds that I chop in my food processor as they bring more texture to the cookies. Hope that helps. Have a great day, Angela
Makenzie says
You should use almond meal, not flour. You need the grittiness of the meal
Angela Schofield says
The difference between almond meal and almond flour is only that the meal is made from unpeeled almonds, almond flour is made from blanched, peeled almonds.
Heather says
Taste is amazing but mine spread out like pancakes. Did I overwork the dough or what could have been the issue?
Angela Schofield says
I am sorry to hear that. You probably overworked the dough a bit or your kitchen was too warm. It helps to chill the dough if you feel like the dough is too warm. This will help to avoid spreading out.
Donna says
what is name of cookie that sits overnight and top puffs up and dry?
Angela Schofield says
Could you describe the cookies a bit more, I am not sure.
Peggy says
Springerles
Andrea says
Should I whip the egg whites before mixing with the almonds?
Angela Schofield says
Hi Andrea, in some recipes, the egg whites are whipped, but most traditional recipes like this one don't ask for it. The dough is very dense and chewy, so whipping the egg whites does not really help the texture. But if you prefer, you can whip the egg whites first.