Authentic German Zimtsterne (Cinnamon Almond Star Cookies)
These delightful Zimtsterne cookies are a traditional holiday treat enjoyed in German-speaking countries during the Christmas season. These cookies are made using a flourless nut dough that highlights the warm, woody spice of cinnamon and the rich, sweet taste of almonds. Flavoring options such as Kirsch, lemon, or rum can be added. Finished with a crisp, snowy white icing, these cookies improve with age as the complex flavors blend and mellow over time.
50
Servings
108
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Egg whites
3 (beaten until frothy)
Icing sugar
450 (grams, plus extra for icing)
Whole almonds
500 (grams, unblanched, plus an extra 50 grams if needed)
Lemon
1 (juiced)
Ground cinnamon
30 (grams)
White sugar
125 (grams, for rolling out)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Gradually incorporate the icing sugar into the egg whites, continuing to beat until well combined. Set aside six tablespoons of this mixture in a small covered bowl to be used later for icing.
2
Using a food processor, finely grind the whole almonds until they form a meal-like consistency. Stir the lemon juice into the egg white mixture and blend in the ground cinnamon. Gradually work the ground almonds into the mixture, adding the extra 50 grams if required, to form a stiff dough. Allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
3
Generously sprinkle white sugar on a clean, dry work surface. Roll out or pat the dough to approximately 1 cm thick, using sugar as needed to prevent sticking.
4
Using star-shaped cookie cutters, cut out stars from the dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with baking paper.
5
Leave the shaped dough to dry for two hours, or preferably overnight, allowing a fine crust to form. Preheat the oven to 130 degrees Celsius (266 degrees Fahrenheit).
6
Before baking, gently brush the stars with the reserved egg white and icing sugar mixture.
7
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. If the cookies begin to brown too quickly, prop the oven door open slightly. The icing should remain very pale.
8
Once cooled, store the Zimtsterne in an airtight container. These cookies keep well and can be made up to a month in advance.
Nutrition Information
6
Fat
12
Carbs
3
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zimtsterne?
Zimtsterne are traditional German cinnamon almond star cookies that are a staple treat during the Christmas holiday season.
What does the name Zimtsterne mean?
In German, 'Zimt' means cinnamon and 'Sterne' means stars, referring to the primary flavor and shape of the cookies.
Are Zimtsterne gluten-free?
Yes, these cookies are naturally gluten-free as they use a flourless dough made from ground almonds.
What is the main flavor of these cookies?
The primary flavors are warm, woody cinnamon and rich, sweet almonds, often accented with a hint of lemon.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 50 star-shaped cookies.
What type of nuts are used in Zimtsterne?
Whole unblanched almonds are used and ground into a meal to form the base of the dough.
How do I prepare the almonds for the dough?
Use a food processor to finely grind the whole almonds until they reach a meal-like consistency.
Can I add other flavors to the dough?
Yes, you can customize the flavor by adding Kirsch, lemon juice, or rum to the mixture.
How is the white icing made?
The icing is made from a mixture of beaten egg whites and icing sugar, a portion of which is set aside before the rest is mixed into the dough.
Why should I set aside six tablespoons of the egg white mixture?
This reserved portion is used as the snowy white icing that is brushed onto the cookies before they are baked.
How thick should the dough be rolled out?
The dough should be rolled out or patted to a thickness of approximately 1 cm.
What should I use to prevent the dough from sticking while rolling?
Generously sprinkle white sugar on your work surface instead of flour to prevent the dough from sticking.
How long does the dough need to rest?
The dough should be allowed to rest for 20 minutes before rolling it out.
Why do the cookies need to dry before baking?
Drying the cookies for two hours or overnight allows a fine crust to form, which helps maintain their shape and icing texture.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
The cookies should be baked at a low temperature of 130 degrees Celsius (266 degrees Fahrenheit).
How long should the cookies be in the oven?
They should bake for about 20 minutes until set but not browned.
What should I do if the icing starts to brown?
If the cookies begin to brown too quickly, you should prop the oven door open slightly to keep the icing pale.
What is the ideal color for the icing after baking?
The icing should remain very pale and snowy white rather than golden or brown.
How should Zimtsterne be stored?
Once cooled, they should be stored in an airtight container to maintain their texture.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Zimtsterne keep very well and can be made and stored up to a month in advance.
Does the flavor change over time?
Yes, the complex flavors of cinnamon and almond tend to blend and mellow, improving the taste as the cookies age.
How many calories are in one Zimtsterne cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 108 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 6 grams of fat in each cookie.
How many carbohydrates are in each cookie?
There are 12 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in one cookie?
Each cookie provides approximately 3 grams of protein.
Are these cookies dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe contains no butter or dairy products, making it dairy-free.
How much cinnamon is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 30 grams of ground cinnamon to ensure a strong, traditional spice profile.
What kind of sugar is used for the dough and icing?
Icing sugar (also known as powdered sugar) is used for the dough and icing, while white granulated sugar is used for rolling.
Can I use blanched almonds?
The recipe specifies unblanched whole almonds, which contribute to the traditional texture and color of the cookie.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gifts?
Absolutely, their long shelf life and festive star shape make them perfect for gifting during the Christmas season.