Description
Get into the festive spirit with these classic German Cinnamon Stars Cookies (Zimtsterne) — a holiday favorite packed with warm cinnamon spice and chewy almond richness. These easy cookies are naturally gluten-free and make perfect Christmas treats or holiday snacks. Their crisp edges, soft centers, and delicate white glaze make them irresistible and elegant additions to your holiday dessert table. Ideal for quick baking projects, gift boxes, or fun baking with kids, they bring both tradition and charm to any winter gathering.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups finely ground almonds (almond meal or almond flour)
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
2 large egg whites, room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
1–2 teaspoons lemon juice (optional, for glaze)
Optional: additional cinnamon or edible glitter for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground almonds, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Add vanilla and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the almond mixture until a sticky dough forms.
4. Roll dough between two sheets of parchment paper to 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Cut star shapes using a cookie cutter and transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup powdered sugar with lemon juice or water to create a smooth glaze.
7. Brush glaze onto cookies and let them dry for 30–60 minutes at room temperature.
8. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake cookies for 12–15 minutes, until set but not browned.
9. Let cool completely before storing or serving.
Notes
For deeper flavor, toast the almond meal before using.
Always let the cookies rest before baking to hold their shape and help the glaze set.
Use parchment paper when rolling to avoid sticking and eliminate the need for extra flour.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg