Switzerland’s Festive Cinnamon Stars
Transport yourself to the charming kitchens of Switzerland with these delightful Cinnamon Stars, or Zimtsterne. Originally a festive treat enjoyed during the Christmas season, these cookies are made with a perfect blend of egg whites, almond flour, and fragrant cinnamon, making them an irresistible snack for any occasion. Appreciate their crisp exterior and soft, chewy interior while savoring the warm, nostalgic flavors that echo the spirit of Swiss holiday traditions. While they're perfect for celebrations, you’ll find yourself craving these classic treats throughout the year!
50
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
egg whites
3 large (at room temperature)
salt
1 pinch (to taste)
powdered sugar
250 g (sifted)
cinnamon
1 1/2 tablespoons (or more to taste)
lemon juice
1/2 tablespoon
ground almonds
350 g
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and pinch of salt with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
3
Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar while continuing to beat until well combined.
4
Set aside about 100 ml (1 dl) of the egg white mixture for frosting.
5
Gently fold in the cinnamon, lemon juice, and ground almonds into the remaining egg white mixture until a smooth dough forms.
6
Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper or inside a cut-open ziploc bag, and roll it out to about 0.5 cm thickness.
7
Use a star-shaped cookie cutter or your desired shape to cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking tray.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
9
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few moments.
10
While still warm, dip the top side of each cookie into the reserved frosting, allowing excess to drip off.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Switzerland’s Festive Cinnamon Stars?
They are traditional Swiss Christmas cookies, also known as Zimtsterne, characterized by their star shape and cinnamon flavor.
What are the primary ingredients in Zimtsterne?
The main ingredients include egg whites, almond flour, powdered sugar, and a generous amount of cinnamon.
Are these cinnamon star cookies gluten-free?
Yes, because they are made with ground almonds instead of wheat flour, they are naturally gluten-free.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (230°C) for a quick, hot bake.
How long do these cookies need to bake?
They bake very quickly, typically taking only 3 to 5 minutes.
What is the texture of a Cinnamon Star?
These cookies have a crisp exterior and a soft, chewy interior.
How do I prepare the egg whites?
Beat room-temperature egg whites with a pinch of salt using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
When do I add the powdered sugar?
Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar while continuing to beat the stiff egg whites until the mixture is well combined.
How much frosting should be reserved?
Set aside approximately 100 ml (1 dl) of the egg white and sugar mixture to use as frosting later.
What ingredients are folded into the dough?
Gently fold in the cinnamon, lemon juice, and ground almonds into the remaining egg white mixture.
How thick should the dough be rolled out?
The dough should be rolled to a thickness of approximately 0.5 cm.
What is the best way to roll out the sticky dough?
Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper or inside a cut-open ziploc bag to prevent sticking.
How do I cut the cookie shapes?
Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to maintain the traditional appearance, though other shapes can be used.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers must remain soft.
When should I apply the frosting?
Dip the top side of each cookie into the reserved frosting while the cookies are still warm.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 50 cookies.
What kind of almonds should I use?
The recipe calls for 350 grams of ground almonds.
Can I add more cinnamon?
Yes, you can use 1.5 tablespoons or more according to your personal taste.
What purpose does lemon juice serve in this recipe?
Lemon juice is folded into the dough to add a hint of acidity and balance the sweetness.
Is it necessary to sift the powdered sugar?
Yes, sifting the powdered sugar ensures a smooth mixture without lumps.
Should the egg whites be at room temperature?
Yes, room-temperature egg whites whip up better and more easily than cold ones.
What should I use to line the baking tray?
Use parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking to the tray.
Why is salt added to the egg whites?
A pinch of salt helps stabilize the egg whites as they are beaten into stiff peaks.
What category of food is this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.
Can I eat these only during Christmas?
While they are a traditional festive treat, they are a delicious snack for any occasion throughout the year.
What type of mixer is recommended?
An electric mixer is recommended to properly beat the egg whites to the necessary stiff peaks.
How do I handle the frosting process?
Dip the cookies into the frosting and allow the excess to drip off for a clean finish.
What is the origin of the name Zimtsterne?
Zimtsterne translates from German to 'Cinnamon Stars'.
Does the recipe include any flour?
No, the recipe relies entirely on ground almonds for structure.
What if the cookies are too hard?
Ensure you only bake them for 3-5 minutes; overbaking will cause them to lose their signature chewy center.