This easy Zimtsterne recipe is a classic during winter and Christmas season in Germany. The unique cinnamon flavour and chewy texture of these cookies make them a favourite across generations. We invite you to try these treats and let them fill your home with warmth and an irresistible fragrance!
This Zimtsterne recipe takes some of winter’s most cozy ingredients and transforms the into something magical
While these Cinnamon star cookies certainly taste elaborate and extravagant, they’re quite easy to make. Once the dough is made (we highly recommend adjusting the quantity of flour until your dough is no longer sticky), you can let it chill in the fridge for a little. In the meantime, simply prepare a meringue with icing sugar and egg white (highly recommend using an electric mixer to get the right texture). Then cut out the cookies and cover them with a layer of meringue.
The secret is to bake, or “dry”, these cookies on low heat. This way, the meringue will remain white and shiny, like a cover of fresh snow!
Enough said, here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make a batch:
- Ground Almonds: The heart of Zimtsterne are ground almonds, they lend a nutty richness to the cookies. If almonds aren’t your preference, hazelnuts make for a great substitute. The traditional recipe is made with non-blanched ground nuts to give them a richer colour, but blanched will do.
- Icing Sugar: Adding sweetness and texture, icing sugar contributes to both the cookie dough and the meringue topping.
- Egg Whites: Providing structure and a light, airy texture, egg whites are the backbone of Zimtsterne. If you’re looking for an egg-free alternative, aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) works surprisingly well (just make sure it’s unsalted!)
- Cinnamon: The star spice in Zimtsterne, cinnamon, infuses the cookies with a cozy, wintery flavour. Experiment with nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist.
- Vanilla Extract: Adding depth to the flavour profile, vanilla extract complements the sweetness. Consider almond or hazelnut extract for an extra layer of nuttiness.
- Flour: A touch of flour brings the dough together. We recommend adding flour gradually until you can easily handle the dough and it’s no longer sticky. Opt for a gluten-free alternative if needed.
Still deciding? You may also like these palmier cookies, this fun Nutella Christmas tree, or our delicious apple puff pastry rings!
We hope that every bite of these easy cinnamon stars brings you the feeling of winter coziness! Whether you’re nestled by the fireplace or sharing them with loved ones, let these cookies be the sweet companions to your wintertime moments. With their simplicity and rich taste, Zimtsterne bring the magic of the season to your table.
Easy Zimtsterne Recipe
Equipment
- 2 Mixing bowls
- Electric Mixer
- Oven
Ingredients
Dough
- 200 g ground almonds
- 100 g icing sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 egg whites
- 20-50 g flour (plus more to dust the surface)
Meringue
- 50 g icing sugar
- 1 egg white
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: For the dough, combine all ingredients in a bowl and knead until homogenous. If the dough too sticky, add a bit of flour until you can shape a ball. Wrap it with plastic foil and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the meringue icing: For the icing, beat the icing sugar and an egg white with an electric mixer until it creates a thick, shiny texture.
- Cut the cookies: Sprinkle flour over your surface to avoid sticking, then roll the dough ½ cm (¼ inch) thick. Use a small, star-shaped cookie cutter to cut the cookies and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Brush cookies with the meringue: Now, use a brush to gently spread a generous layer of icing on top of the stars, all the way to the edges.
- Bake, store and enjoy: Bake the cookies for 20-25 minutes on 100°C (212°F). Once cooled, store the Zimtsterne in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks.
Amazing, thanks so much for sharing this recipe! Easy to follow, and they came out just like I was hoping. So much nicer to have homemade than shop bought! I’ll finish this lot and make a fresh batch for the Christmas table :). Thank you!
You’re welcome Anna! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones!