German Cinnamon Stars

When it comes to holiday baking, few treats are as quintessentially German as Zimtsterne or Cinnamon Stars. These nutty, cinnamon-infused cookies with a glossy white icing are a beloved tradition during Christmas. Whether you’re making them to enjoy with a cup of mulled wine or as part of your festive cookie platter, Zimtsterne are guaranteed to impress with their rustic charm and delectable taste. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering this classic recipe and some tips to ensure your Zimtsterne turn out perfectly every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the German Cinnamon Stars:

For the Dough:

• Ground hazelnuts: Provides a rich, nutty flavor and forms the base of the cookie dough.
• Ground almonds: Adds a slightly sweet and buttery texture to balance the hazelnuts.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses the cookies with a warm, spiced flavor.
• Egg whites: Acts as a binder, holding the dough together and contributing to its structure.

For the Icing:

• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze and gives it a smooth consistency.
• Egg white: Helps create a glossy, spreadable icing that sets firmly on top of the cookies.

You’ll need the following tools for making the Grinch Cookies:

• Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for combining the cookie dough ingredients and smaller ones for measuring.
• Measuring Scale: To accurately measure all your ingredients in grams.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For mixing the dough and whisking the egg whites.
• Baking Sheet: For baking the cookies.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet, preventing the cookies from sticking.
• Star Cookie Cutter: For shaping the Zimtsterne cookies into their iconic star design.
• Cooling Rack: For allowing the cookies to cool evenly after baking.

Here is the full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 250g (2 ½ cups) ground hazelnuts
• 250g (2 ½ cups) ground almonds
• 300g (2 ½ cups) powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 large egg whites

For the Icing:

• 125g (1 cup) powdered sugar
• 1 large egg white
• Pinch of Salt

Directions:

Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground hazelnuts, ground almonds, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. Stir the dry ingredients together to ensure they are evenly mixed.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the 2 egg whites until just foamy (you don’t need stiff peaks here). Add the whisked egg whites to the dry ingredients. Using your hands, knead the mixture into a sticky dough. The dough should hold together but still feel slightly tacky. If it’s too dry, add a few drops of water; if it’s too wet, sprinkle in a bit more ground nuts.

Roll out the Dough:

1. Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Roll it out to about 1cm (roughly ⅓ inch) thickness. Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator to make it easier to cut out shapes.

Make the Icing:

1. While the dough chills, prepare the icing. In a clean mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, a pinch of salt and egg white until smooth and glossy. The icing should be thick enough to hold its shape but still spreadable.

Cut Out the Stars:

1. Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the fridge and use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the Zimtsterne. Place the stars on the prepared baking sheet.

Ice the Cookies & Bake:

1. Using a small brush or the back of a spoon, carefully spread the prepared icing onto the top of each cookie. Be generous, as the icing gives the Zimtsterne their signature look and taste.
2. Bake the cookies on the lowest rack of the oven for about 10 minutes. Watch closely, as the icing should remain white and glossy; avoid browning. The cookies will still feel soft when you remove them from the oven but will firm up as they cool.

Cool & Store:

1. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container. Zimtsterne can be kept for up to two weeks, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for the holiday season.

Tips & Tricks:

Tips for the Cookies:

• Consistency Matters: The dough should be sticky but manageable. If it’s too dry, the cookies may crumble when cut. Adding a teaspoon of water at a time can help.
• Chill for Precision: Chilling the dough makes it much easier to cut clean, sharp stars without sticking to the cutter.
• Icing Technique: Use a small pastry brush or a teaspoon for even icing application. This ensures every cookie has a smooth and polished look.
• Bake with Care: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Overbaking can cause the icing to crack or discolor. The goal is for the icing to stay white and shiny.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair Zimtsterne with a steaming cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a comforting snack.
• Arrange them on a holiday cookie platter alongside other festive favorites like gingerbread, vanilla crescents, or butter cookies.
• Package them in decorative tins lined with parchment paper to gift to friends and family.

Customizing Your Cookies:

While traditional Zimtsterne are made with almonds and hazelnuts, there’s room for creativity:

1. Nut-Free Option: Replace the ground nuts with a gluten-free flour blend for a different texture.
2. Chocolate Twist: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the icing for a decadent touch.
3. Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a subtle citrus flavor.

More Christmas Baking Ideas:

• Marbled Chocolate Christmas Cookies – Elegant and easy, these buttery cookies are decorated with swirls of white and dark chocolate for a dazzling holiday treat.
• Santa Hat Cookies – These jam-filled Linzer cookies shaped like Santa hats will be the highlight of your cookie exchange this year!
• Melted Snowman Cookies – Creative and delicious, these cookies feature melted marshmallows and charming decorations for a frosty holiday vibe.
• Roasted Matcha Cookies – With their unique roasted matcha flavor and creamy topping, these cookies bring a modern twist to your holiday treats.
• Grinch Crinkle Cookies – These bright green cookies are fun, festive, and finished with a sweet sugar heart, making them the perfect treat to spread Christmas cheer.

Watch the recipe video here. Let’s get to baking! Here’s the full recipe: