Zimtsterne Recipe

Ever find yourself in need of a sweet treat that makes your taste buds do a celebratory jig, while also making you feel like you’ve got your life together in the kitchen? Well, buckle up, because these almond cinnamon star cookies are about to become your new obsession.

A beloved German classic, Zimtsterne brings warmth with the aromatic blend of ground almonds and cinnamon. I love how the delicate texture, which the egg whites create, makes these star-shaped cookies festive.

The hit of powdered sugar gives them the subtle sweetness that really makes them cookies, kind of like the way that meringues are cookies. And then there’s the flavor backdrop.

It’s not just vanilla in the cookie, and it’s not just what we think of as lemon flavor, either. The two go together in a way that makes the flavor of the cookie as much about the not-so-basic vanilla and lemon as it is about the almond and cinnamon.

Zimtsterne Recipe Ingredients

• Ground Almonds: Rich in healthy fats and protein, adding nuttiness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Offers warm spice and potential antioxidant benefits.
• Egg Whites: Provide structure and protein, allowing for a crispy texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and creates the signature icing glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavors with a sweet, aromatic essence.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a hint of tang, balancing the sweetness.

Zimtsterne Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 1/4 cups (225g) ground almonds
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch of salt
• 3 large egg whites
• 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon almond meal (optional, for dusting)

How to Make this Zimtsterne Recipe

1. Set your oven to 300°F (150°C) to warm up while you prepare your baking sheet. The baking sheet lined with parchment paper is a good idea to ensure easy removal of the finished product.

2. In a big mixing bowl, mix together the almond flour, the ground cinnamon, and a touch of salt. Set this bowl aside.

3. In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.

4. Slowly incorporate the sifted powdered sugar into the egg whites, beating it until thoroughly combined, shiny, and stably peaked.

5. Set aside about 1/4 cup of this meringue mixture to use for glazing the cookies later.

6. Incorporate the vanilla extract and lemon juice into the remaining meringue.

7. Softly incorporate the meringue blend into the mixture of dry ingredients (ground almonds, cinnamon, and salt) until a malleable, slightly moist dough forms.

8. Evenly sprinkle a clean, flat work surface with either almond meal or powdered sugar. These will be the two items used to dust or coat the work surface in an unsticky manner. You will want to do this because, otherwise, the dough will stick to the work surface. Make sure to coat the surface evenly—if you don’t, the dough might stick in some spots while staying unsticky in other spots, and you will quickly find yourself in a situation where you’re trying to overcome the laws of physics.

9. Using a cookie cutter in the shape of a star, cut stars from the dough and put them on the baking sheet that has been prepared.

10. Use the set-aside meringue to stroke the tops of each star, then place them in the preheated oven. Bake the stars until they are set but still soft, about 15 to 18 minutes. Let them cool before serving.

Zimtsterne Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Separate bowl
6. Electric mixer
7. Sifter
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Cookie cutter (star-shaped)
11. Flat work surface
12. Spatula or spoon (for stirring)
13. Cooling rack

FAQ

• What are Zimtsterne?Zimtsterne are authentic star-shaped, cinnamon-flavored cookies that come from Germany. While one can enjoy these nut-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free delicacies year-round, they are particularly popular as Christmas cookies.
• Can I use almond flour instead of ground almonds?Correct, almond flour can be used as a sub but finely ground is best for texture.
• How do I prevent the dough from sticking when rolling?To prevent sticking, dust your surface and rolling pin with a tablespoon of almond meal.
• What is the purpose of lemon juice in the recipe?Lemon juice lends a gentle brightness and counters the sweetness of the sugar.
• Is it necessary to sift the powdered sugar?Indeed, sifting guarantees that the sugar contains no lumps and that it blends seamlessly into the egg whites to create the icing.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time?Of course, you can make the dough a day in advance; just wrap it up tight and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
• What should I do if I don’t have a star-shaped cookie cutter?You can use any other form you have available, although classic Zimtsterne are star-shaped.

Zimtsterne Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute ground hazelnuts for ground almonds and get a completely different flavor profile.
You may substitute the vanilla extract for almond extract to give a more potent almond flavor.
Lime juice can be used in place of lemon juice if you prefer a little twist.
If powdered sugar is unavailable, you can create your own by grinding granulated sugar in a blender until fine.

Pro Tips

1. Egg White Perfection Ensure the egg whites are at room temperature before beating them. This helps to achieve maximum volume and creates more stable peaks for a better meringue.

2. Prevent Overmixing When incorporating the meringue into the dry ingredients, gently fold to maintain the airiness. Overmixing can deflate the meringue, leading to a denser texture.

3. Uniform Thickness Roll out the dough to an even thickness, approximately 1/4 inch. This ensures consistent baking, so all your cookies are cooked evenly.

4. Glaze Tip When glazing with the reserved meringue, use a soft brush or the back of a spoon for even coverage. This helps create a beautiful, glossy finish on the cookies.

5. Cooling Caution Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking apart while still slightly soft.