Oh, the joy of baking Zimtsterne cinnamon star cookies! There’s something so magical about filling your kitchen with the warm, spicy aroma of cinnamon mixed with almonds during the festive season. These delightful little stars aren’t just a treat; they’re a cherished German tradition that brings families together. I remember the first time I made them—I was surrounded by laughter and holiday music, and as I rolled out the dough, my little ones were busy cutting out stars with such enthusiasm. It felt like we were creating our own little holiday magic right there in our kitchen!
Zimtsterne are more than just cookies; they’re a symbol of celebration, often enjoyed during Christmas time. They have a lovely chewy texture and a sweet icing that perfectly complements the nutty, spiced flavor. Trust me, once you taste these cookies, you’ll want to make them every year! The best part? They’re super fun to decorate, and you can get creative with the icing. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this delightful recipe together!
Ingredients for Zimtsterne Cinnamon Star Cookies
Before we get started, let’s gather everything we need! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful cinnamon star cookies:
- 200g ground almonds
- 150g powdered sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 100g powdered sugar for icing
Make sure to sift your powdered sugar before measuring for the icing—this helps it mix smoothly! And don’t forget, for the egg whites, they need to be free from any yolk to achieve those perfect stiff peaks. Trust me, it makes a world of difference! Now that we have our ingredients ready, we can move on to the fun part—preparing our cookies!
How to Prepare Zimtsterne Cinnamon Star Cookies
Now that we’ve got our ingredients, let’s get baking! Follow these steps to create your delicious Zimtsterne cinnamon star cookies. It’s easier than you might think and oh-so-rewarding!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 150°C (300°F). This sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies. Trust me, a preheated oven makes all the difference in how even they cook!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground almonds, powdered sugar, and ground cinnamon. Use a whisk or a spatula to mix them together until they’re well combined. You want to ensure that the flavors blend beautifully, so take your time with this step—it’s worth it!
Step 3: Prepare Egg Whites
In another bowl, it’s time to beat those egg whites! Add the egg whites and lemon juice, and whip them using an electric mixer or a whisk until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the whisk out, the peaks should stand tall and not droop. It’s like magic! If they look fluffy and hold their shape, you’re on the right track.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Now, it’s time to fold the egg whites into the almond mixture. Be gentle here, as you want to keep that fluffiness intact! Use a spatula to scoop from the bottom and fold over the top, repeating until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few streaks; overmixing can deflate those lovely egg whites!
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Lightly flour your countertop and roll out the dough to about 1 cm thick. Grab your favorite star-shaped cookie cutter and start cutting out those adorable shapes! Place each star on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to give them a little space to breathe. They’ll puff up nicely!
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes or until they’re set but not browned. You’ll know they’re ready when they feel firm to the touch but still have that lovely soft texture inside. Keep an eye on them—no one likes burnt cookies!
Step 7: Cool and Icing
Once they’re baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial because you don’t want your icing to melt off! To make the icing, mix the powdered sugar with just enough water to achieve a thick, spreadable consistency. Now, get creative! Decorate each cookie with icing, and let your inner artist shine. It’s the finishing touch that makes these cookies extra special!
Tips for Success with Zimtsterne Cinnamon Star Cookies
To ensure your Zimtsterne cinnamon star cookies turn out perfectly, I’ve got some handy tips that I’ve learned along the way. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will make all the difference!
- Egg Whites Matter: Make sure your egg whites are completely free of yolk. Even a tiny bit of yolk can prevent them from whipping up to those beautiful stiff peaks. I always crack my eggs into a separate bowl first to avoid any mishaps!
- Cool Completely: After baking, let your cookies cool completely before icing them. If they’re even slightly warm, the icing will just slide right off, and we definitely don’t want that! Patience is key here.
- Flour to Roll: When rolling out your dough, don’t be shy with the flour! It helps prevent sticking and makes the whole process smoother. Just sprinkle a little on your surface and on the dough as needed.
- Spacing is Important: When placing your cookies on the baking sheet, give them enough space to puff up. They might look small now, but they expand as they bake, and no one wants a cookie mishmash!
- Watch the Bake Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. Ovens can vary, and you want them set but not browned. If they’re firm to the touch but slightly soft in the middle, you’ve got it just right!
- Get Creative with Icing: Have fun with decorating! You can use piping bags for a more intricate design or just drizzle it on for a whimsical touch. It’s all about making them your own!
These tips have helped me create the best Zimtsterne year after year. I can’t wait for you to try them out and experience the joy of baking these delightful cookies! Enjoy the process—it’s all part of the festive fun!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, let me tell you why you’re going to fall head over heels for these Zimtsterne cinnamon star cookies! First off, the preparation is a breeze. You can whip these up in no time, which is perfect for those busy holiday seasons when you want to spread some cheer without being stuck in the kitchen all day. Seriously, it takes just about 30 minutes to prep and then a quick bake—talk about winning!
Next, the ingredients are super simple and easy to find! You probably already have most of them in your pantry, especially if you love baking. Ground almonds, powdered sugar, and cinnamon—these are staples that come together to create a flavor explosion! I mean, who doesn’t love that cozy, warm taste of cinnamon paired with the nutty goodness of almonds? It’s like a hug in cookie form!
And let’s not forget about the delightful flavors! The chewy texture combined with that sweet, smooth icing is simply irresistible. Each bite is bursting with festive spirit, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends. Plus, they look stunning on any holiday platter! Seriously, they’ll be the star of your dessert table—pun intended!
Once you try these cookies, you’ll be counting down the days until you can make them again. Trust me, they’re not just cookies; they’re a delightful experience that brings warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve baked your delicious Zimtsterne cinnamon star cookies, let’s talk about how to keep them fresh and tasty! To store these delightful treats, simply place them in an airtight container. This helps to lock in that lovely flavor and keep them chewy. I usually layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking, especially if you’ve iced them—no one likes a sticky mess!
Here’s a little secret: these cookies actually taste even better after a day or two! The flavors have a chance to mingle, and they become wonderfully chewy. So, if you can resist the temptation to gobble them all up right away, let them sit for a bit. Your patience will be rewarded!
If you want to save some for later, don’t worry! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just carefully place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to keep them intact. They can last in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. No reheating needed—they’ll be just as delightful as the day you made them!
With these simple storage tips, you can enjoy your Zimtsterne cinnamon star cookies well beyond the holiday season. Happy snacking!
Nutritional Information for Zimtsterne Cinnamon Star Cookies
Let’s take a moment to chat about the nutritional goodness of these delightful Zimtsterne cinnamon star cookies! Each cookie is a little bundle of joy, and here’s a rough breakdown of what you can expect per cookie:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in. With that lovely nutty flavor and the sweet icing, you’re treating yourself to something special without going overboard. So, enjoy a cookie (or two!) guilt-free during your festive celebrations!
FAQ About Zimtsterne Cinnamon Star Cookies
Got questions about Zimtsterne cinnamon star cookies? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries that pop up when baking these delightful treats:
How long do these cookies last?
When stored in an airtight container, your Zimtsterne can last for about a week at room temperature. However, they actually taste better after a day or two as the flavors meld together. If you want to save them for longer, try freezing them!
Can I substitute ground almonds with something else?
If you don’t have ground almonds on hand, you can use finely ground hazelnuts or walnuts as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will slightly change, but they’ll still be delicious!
What if I can’t find powdered sugar?
No powdered sugar? No problem! You can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until it reaches a fine, powdery consistency. Just be sure to sift it before using!
Can I add spices or flavors?
Absolutely! If you want to jazz things up, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dough for an extra layer of flavor. You can also experiment with flavored extracts like almond or vanilla for a unique twist!
What’s the best way to decorate the cookies?
When it comes to decorating, the sky’s the limit! You can pipe intricate designs with icing or simply drizzle it on for a more casual look. Sprinkles or edible glitter can also add a festive touch. Just let your creativity flow!
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version, you can substitute the egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas). Use about 3 tablespoons of aquafaba for each egg white. Whip it up just like you would the egg whites, and you’re good to go!
If you have more questions, feel free to drop them in the comments! I’m always here to help you create the perfect batch of Zimtsterne cinnamon star cookies. Happy baking!
Print
Zimtsterne Cinnamon Star Cookies: 7 Reasons to Bake Joyously
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon star cookies are a traditional German treat made with almonds and cinnamon.
Ingredients
- 200g ground almonds
- 150g powdered sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 100g powdered sugar for icing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
- In a bowl, mix ground almonds, powdered sugar, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites and lemon juice until stiff peaks form.
- Fold egg whites into the almond mixture.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into star shapes.
- Place stars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until set.
- Allow cookies to cool.
- Mix powdered sugar with a little water to make icing and decorate the cookies.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They taste better after a day or two.
- Can be frozen for later use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: zimtsterne, cinnamon star cookies, German cookies