Oh, let me tell you about the first time I made zimtsterne cinnamon star cookies! It was during a cozy winter afternoon, and the smell of cinnamon filled my kitchen, wrapping me in a warm hug. These traditional German cookies are a holiday staple, and I couldn’t wait to share them with my family. The moment I cut out those star shapes and topped them with that dreamy meringue, I knew I was onto something special. They’re not just cookies; they’re little bites of festive joy! Trust me, once you take a bite of these chewy, nutty delights, you’ll understand why they’re a beloved treat during the holiday season. So, let’s dive into making these magical cookies together!
Ingredients for Zimtsterne Cinnamon Star Cookies
- 200g ground almonds – These provide the nutty base for our cookies.
- 200g powdered sugar – This gives sweetness and helps create that lovely meringue topping.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – The star spice that brings warmth and flavor!
- 2 egg whites – Make sure they’re at room temperature for the best volume.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – This adds a hint of brightness and stabilizes the meringue.
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting – A light sprinkle adds a festive touch!
How to Prepare Zimtsterne Cinnamon Star Cookies
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Alright, let’s get baking those delicious zimtsterne cinnamon star cookies! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise you’ll be so proud of the results. First, preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). This low temperature helps the cookies dry out nicely without burning.
While the oven warms up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the ground almonds, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. This mixture is going to be the flavorful base of your cookies. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until they reach stiff peaks—this is where the magic happens! Gently fold those airy egg whites into the almond mixture until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep that lovely lightness!
Now, dust your countertop with powdered sugar and roll out the dough to about 1 cm thick. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your cookies. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; they need some space to breathe. Bake these beauties for 15 to 20 minutes until they’re slightly firm but not browned. You’ll know they’re ready when they feel set to the touch.
Once out of the oven, let them cool completely on a wire rack. Oh, and don’t skip this step; cooling helps them firm up! Finally, dust the tops with some extra powdered sugar before serving, and enjoy those gorgeous star cookies that are sure to impress!
Nutritional Information for Zimtsterne Cinnamon Star Cookies
Each zimtsterne cinnamon star cookie is a delightful treat, packing in about 100 calories. They contain 5g of fat, including 0.5g of saturated fat, and offer 2g of protein. With 12g of carbohydrates and 8g of sugar, these cookies are a sweet indulgence you can enjoy guilt-free. Plus, they’re vegetarian-friendly! Just perfect for sharing during the festive season!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re a festive tradition that brings holiday cheer to any occasion!
- Simple ingredients create a rich, nutty flavor that everyone adores.
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for various diets.
- Easy to make, perfect for baking with family or friends.
- They store well, allowing you to enjoy them for weeks after baking.
- The delightful meringue topping adds a lovely texture and sweetness.
- Customizable with different spices or decorations for a personal touch.
Tips for Success with Zimtsterne Cinnamon Star Cookies
To make sure your zimtsterne cinnamon star cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, use high-quality ground almonds; the fresher, the better, as they significantly enhance the flavor. Also, make sure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating them; this helps them achieve maximum volume for that airy meringue. When folding the egg whites into the almond mixture, be gentle—this keeps the batter light and fluffy. And don’t rush the cooling process; letting them cool completely on a wire rack ensures they firm up nicely. Lastly, sprinkle that powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful finish! Trust me, these little touches make all the difference!
Variations of Zimtsterne Cinnamon Star Cookies
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of fun ways to customize your zimtsterne cinnamon star cookies! For a spicy twist, try adding a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the almond mixture for an extra layer of warmth. Want to amp up the flavor? Swap out some of the ground almonds for finely chopped hazelnuts or walnuts—yum! You could also drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent touch. And if you’re in the mood for some color, try topping them with colorful sprinkles or edible glitter before serving. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your zimtsterne cinnamon star cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay good for several weeks, so don’t worry about devouring them all at once! If you’re like me and want to save some for later, you can freeze them. Just layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature—no reheating needed! They taste just as delightful as the day you baked them!
FAQ about Zimtsterne Cinnamon Star Cookies
Can I use different nuts in my zimtsterne?
Absolutely! While the traditional recipe calls for ground almonds, you can use ground hazelnuts or walnuts for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that it might slightly alter the flavor and texture.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
You’ll want to watch for that perfect slight firmness. The cookies should feel set to the touch but not browned. If they’re still soft, give them a few more minutes, but be careful not to overbake!
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes, you can! Zimtsterne cinnamon star cookies actually taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together. Just store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is a bit too sticky, don’t panic! Just sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar on your work surface and on the dough. This should help make it easier to roll out.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version, you can try using aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a substitute for egg whites. Just whip it up until it forms stiff peaks like you would with egg whites!
For more delightful recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
Additionally, if you’re interested in the history of these cookies, you can learn more about traditional German baking here.
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Zimtsterne Cinnamon Star Cookies: 7 Steps to Joyful Baking
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Zimtsterne are traditional German cinnamon star cookies. They are made with ground nuts, cinnamon, and a simple meringue topping.
Ingredients
- 200g ground almonds
- 200g powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
- In a bowl, mix ground almonds, powdered sugar, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold egg whites into the almond mixture.
- Roll out the dough on a powdered sugar-dusted surface.
- Cut out star shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly firm.
- Let cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They can be enjoyed for several weeks.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: zimtsterne, cinnamon star cookies, German cookies