Zimtsterne (German Cinnamon Star Cookies)

May 11, 2023May 11, 20230 12

German Cinnamon Star Cookies (Zimtsterne) that are perfect for the holiday season

Zimtsterne (German Cinnamon Star Cookies)

by The Chefin Dessert

Prep

20 min

Cook

15 min

Ready In

35 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	2 1/4 cups confectioners ' sugar , plus more
	confectioners ' sugar , for rolling
	15 ounces sliced almonds , with skin ( about 4 1/2 cups )
	1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
	3 large egg whites , room temperature
	2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

About 25 cookies

Calories

100

Sugar

10g

Fat

German Cinnamon Star Cookies, or Zimtsterne, are a must-have dessert during the holiday season in Germany. These star-shaped cookies are made from a combination of almonds, confectioners' sugar, cinnamon, lemon zest, and egg whites. They have a chewy, nutty texture with a sweet, cinnamon flavor that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. Zimtsterne make for a great homemade gift or party favor, and they are guaranteed to impress your guests with their unique shape and delicious taste.

Instructions

1.	Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2.	Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
3.	In a food processor, pulse the sliced almonds until finely ground. Be careful not to over-process or they will become almond butter.
4.	In a large bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar and cinnamon. Add the ground almonds and stir until well combined.
5.	In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
6.	Fold the egg whites and lemon zest into the almond mixture until combined but still slightly lumpy.
7.	Dust your work surface with confectioners' sugar and knead the dough gently until it comes together.
8.	Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch (1.2 cm) thickness. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
9.	Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cookies are lightly golden and set.
10.	Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

PROS

Zimtsterne have a deliciously spicy and nutty flavor, perfect for the holiday season.

They are relatively easy to make and can be stored for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.

CONS

These cookies are quite sweet, so they may not be suitable for those who prefer less sugar in their desserts.

They also contain a significant amount of almonds, so those with nut allergies should avoid them.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Almonds are packed with healthy fats, fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.
They are a great source of vitamin E, which helps protect against cell damage and supports healthy skin and eyes.
The cinnamon in these cookies has been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and better blood sugar control.