Get ready to indulge in a delightful taste of Germany with our Zimtsterne Cinnamon Star Cookies! These charming, spiced treats are not just a holiday classic; they’re perfect for any occasion when you want to impress your friends and family with your baking skills. With their irresistible aroma of cinnamon and the satisfying crunch of ground almonds, these star-shaped cookies will have everyone reaching for seconds. Curious about how to create these festive delights in your own kitchen? Read on to discover the secrets behind making these deliciously chewy cookies that are sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 37 mins
Cuisine: German
Serves: 30 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups ground almonds
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper and preheating the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps, then add ground almonds, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.
- In a separate clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until they become stiff and form soft peaks. This will take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Gently fold the vanilla extract into the beaten egg whites, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the egg whites, folding carefully until a smooth, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Dust your work surface generously with powdered sugar. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness, ensuring it doesn't stick by periodically adding more powdered sugar.
- Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. For best results, dip the cutter in powdered sugar between each cut to prevent sticking.
- Place the star-shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
- Brush the tops of the cookies lightly with additional egg white to create a glossy finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden but the centers remain soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
- Once cooled, store the Zimtsterne in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They will keep well for up to a week.
Tips
- Prep Your Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This helps the egg whites whip up better and ensures a smoother dough.
- Sift the Powdered Sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar not only removes lumps but also helps to aerate it, resulting in a lighter cookie texture.
- Perfect Egg Whites: Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry before whipping the egg whites. Even a small amount of fat can prevent them from reaching stiff peaks.
- Be Gentle When Folding: When combining the dry ingredients with the egg whites, be gentle to maintain the airiness of the mixture. This will help your cookies rise and stay soft in the center.
- Use Plenty of Powdered Sugar: Dust your work surface and cookie cutter generously with powdered sugar to prevent the dough from sticking, making it easier to cut out perfect stars.
- Keep an Eye on the Oven: Baking times can vary based on your oven, so keep a close watch on the cookies. They should be lightly golden on the edges while remaining soft in the center.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. This prevents moisture buildup and keeps them crisp.
- Storage Tip: Store your Zimtsterne in an airtight container, layering them with parchment paper to keep them fresh for up to a week. They also make great gifts!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
