As the holiday season approaches, I find myself surrounded by the comforting aroma of spices drifting from the kitchen. It’s time to whip up a batch of Zimtsterne, the beloved German Cinnamon Star Cookies that have graced my family’s celebrations for generations. These delightful treats are not only a festive highlight but also incredibly versatile—perfect for gifting or making a cozy night in feel special. Each bite brings a satisfying crunch paired with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them a true delight for anyone tired of store-bought options. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these cookies are an expression of joy and tradition wrapped in sweetness. Curious about how to create these enchanting cookies right in your own kitchen? Let’s dive in!
Why are Zimtsterne a holiday favorite?
Rich, Rum-Spiced Flavor: Zimtsterne brings the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg together in a delightful cookie that perfectly captures the essence of the holidays.
Irresistibly Crunchy: The outer layer offers a satisfying crunch that gives way to a melt-in-your-mouth center, making each bite a memorable experience.
Versatile and Gift-Worthy: Not only are these cookies perfect for your festive gatherings, but they also make beautiful gifts for friends and family, showcasing your baking skills.
Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, this straightforward recipe guides you step-by-step to create these holiday treats, just like in my Cinnamon Sugar French and Cinnamon Swirl Banana versions!
Customizable Options: Feel free to personalize your Zimtsterne with unique toppings or even a dusting of powdered sugar to elevate their festive appeal.
These cookies will be a delightful addition to your holiday menu that everyone will love!
Zimtsterne Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
• Almond Flour – This nutty flour adds a rich flavor and a delightful texture, essential for Zimtsterne.
• Powdered Sugar – Not just for sweetness, this sugar allows for a smooth dough that’s easy to handle.
• Ground Cinnamon – The star of the show! Adjust this spice to boost the warm flavor profile of your Zimtsterne.
• Egg Whites – They provide binding and a chewy structure; ensure they’re at room temperature for best results.
• Lemon Zest – It brightens the flavor of the cookies; just a hint adds a delightful freshness to the spice blend.
For the Icing
• Powdered Sugar – A key ingredient for the glossy, sweet icing that finishes off your Zimtsterne beautifully.
• Egg Whites – These create a light and fluffy icing; ensure they’re fresh for the best texture.
• Lemon Juice – A few drops will enhance the icing’s flavor and make it easier to spread.
These Zimtsterne ingredients come together to create scrumptious German Cinnamon Star Cookies that are perfect for holiday gifting or simply enjoying at home!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Zimtsterne (Zimmerstern) (German Cinnamon Star Cookies)
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure your Zimtsterne bake evenly. While the oven heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together almond flour, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This step helps to aerate the dry ingredients, giving your Zimtsterne a lighter texture. Make sure everything is evenly combined to distribute the delightful cinnamon flavor throughout your cookies.
Step 3: Whip Egg Whites
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. The whipped egg whites will give your Zimtsterne a lovely chewiness and a light texture. Be sure to use fresh egg whites for the best results.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the dry mixture using a spatula. This is a crucial step, as you want to maintain the volume created by the egg whites. The mixture should become a sticky, cohesive dough that’s ready to shape into delicious stars.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
On a lightly powdered sugar-dusted surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out your Zimtsterne. Place the cut-out shapes onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced apart for even baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they have set and the edges appear slightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfectly baked to overdone quickly. The warm aroma of cinnamon will fill your kitchen!
Step 7: Cool and Prepare Icing
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. While they cool, prepare the icing by beating powdered sugar, egg whites, and a splash of lemon juice until smooth and shiny.
Step 8: Decorate the Cookies
Once the Zimtsterne have cooled completely, use a piping bag or a spatula to spread the icing over the tops. You can get creative here, adding festive decorations if desired. Allow the icing to set for about 30 minutes before storing or serving your delicious German cinnamon star cookies.
How to Store and Freeze Zimtsterne
Room Temperature: Store your Zimtsterne in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them fresh while maintaining their delightful crunch.
Fridge: If you prefer to enjoy them chilled, they can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Layer parchment paper between each cookie to prevent sticking.
Reheating: To bring back their texture, reheat frozen Zimtsterne in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes before serving, ensuring they are enjoyed warm and delicious!
What to Serve with Delightful Zimtsterne?
Indulge in a festive experience as you create a delightful holiday spread that perfectly complements these charming cinnamon-star treats.
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Mulled Wine: This warm, spiced beverage pairs beautifully with Zimtsterne, enhancing the cozy feel of the holidays and bringing out the cookies’ warm flavors.
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German Hot Chocolate: Rich and creamy, this chocolate drink is a comforting companion, with hints of cinnamon and whipped cream for a delightful pairing.
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Gingerbread Cake: The spiced notes of gingerbread elegantly enhance the sweetness of these cookies, creating a nostalgic holiday feast enjoyed by all.
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Winter Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of citrus fruits provides a bright contrast to the rich sweetness of Zimtsterne, cleansing the palate with each bite.
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Spiced Tea: Whether it’s chai or a classic tea with cinnamon-infused twists, this aromatic drink complements the spices in Zimtsterne, warming you from the inside out.
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Honey Glazed Nuts: These crunchy morsels add a delightful texture and sweetness that balances the cookies’ chewiness, perfect for snacking while you indulge.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses paired with honey and nuts can contrast beautifully with the rich anticipation of enjoying sweet cookies, making it an excellent addition to your holiday table.
Experience the joy of these pairings and elevate your holiday gatherings with every bite of Zimtsterne!
Zimtsterne Variations for Customization
Feel free to explore a world of delightful twists and turns with your Zimtsterne cookies, bringing your personal touch to this traditional treat!
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Nut-Free: Substitute almond flour with sunflower seed flour to create a nut-free version that’s just as delightful.
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Less Sugar: Reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the dough for a subtly less sweet cookie, letting the spice flavors shine.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of almond flour, ensuring everyone can indulge in these festive treats.
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Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a warm kick that complements the cinnamon beautifully. These spices can elevate the flavor profile even more.
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Chocolate Drizzle: After icing, drizzle melted dark chocolate for a decadent twist. Chocolate and spice go hand in hand for a festive flair!
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Fruit Zest: Grate some orange or lemon zest into your dough for a refreshing citrus note that brightens this classic cookie.
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Elderflower Glaze: Swap out lemon juice in icing for elderflower syrup, infusing a light floral note that pairs wonderfully with the warm flavors.
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Jam-Filled Centers: For a fun variation, make a small well in the center before baking and fill it with your favorite jam. After baking, this adds a fruity surprise to every bite, reminiscent of traditional Linzer cookies.
With these variations, you’re well on your way to creating your unique version of German Cinnamon Star Cookies. If you’d like to explore more delightful recipes, don’t miss my Cinnamon Sugar French and Cinnamon Swirl Banana treats!
Expert Tips for Zimtsterne
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Use Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature to achieve maximum volume when whipped, resulting in lighter cookies.
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Don’t Overmix: After folding in the egg whites, handle the mixture gently to maintain the airy texture. Overmixing can result in dense cookies.
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Chill the Dough: If the dough is too sticky to roll out, chill it for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This eases handling and shapes better Zimtsterne.
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Perfect Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking—remove them as soon as the edges are golden to prevent overbaking and maintain that chewy texture.
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Customize Your Icing: Feel free to add a dash of your favorite liqueur or extract to the icing for an extra festive touch, making your Zimtsterne uniquely yours!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Zimtsterne cookies are perfect for busy bakers looking to save time during the holiday season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to preserve its freshness. If you want to go further, the shaped cookies can be frozen on a baking sheet and then stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; just bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time! This way, every batch of Zimtsterne can be just as delicious as if made fresh, allowing you to enjoy more precious moments with loved ones.
Zimtsterne (German Cinnamon Star Cookies) Recipe FAQs
What type of almond flour should I use for Zimtsterne?
Absolutely! For Zimtsterne, I recommend using finely ground almond flour for the best texture and flavor. If you only have coarse almond meal, you can use that, but the cookies may have a slightly grainier texture.
How should I store Zimtsterne after baking?
I like to store my Zimtsterne in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them fresh while maintaining that delightful crunch. If you want to enjoy them for longer, refrigeration can extend their freshness for up to 2 weeks.
Can I freeze Zimtsterne, and how?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Zimtsterne, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag, layering parchment paper between each cookie to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes before serving!
What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
Very often, if the dough is too sticky, it helps to chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes it much easier to roll out and shape into stars. Additionally, dust your work surface and rolling pin with powdered sugar to prevent sticking during shaping.
Are Zimtsterne suitable for people with nut allergies?
Unfortunately, Zimtsterne contains almond flour, which is not safe for nut allergies. If you are looking for an alternative, consider making cookies with a gluten-free flour blend that doesn’t contain nuts; however, this may change the flavor and texture significantly.
Is there a way to make Zimtsterne vegan?
Absolutely! To create vegan Zimtsterne, substitute the egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) or a commercial egg replacer. Use about 3 tablespoons of aquafaba to replace each egg white. The cookies may not have the same texture, but they will still be delicious!
Delightful Zimtsterne: German Cinnamon Star Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together almond flour, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Beat the egg whites in a separate bowl until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the dry mixture until combined.
- On a powdered sugar-dusted surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are slightly golden.
- Cool the cookies on wire racks for 5 minutes before preparing the icing.
- Beat powdered sugar, egg whites, and lemon juice until smooth; spread over cooled cookies.
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