Cinnamon Star Cookies German

Cinnamon Star Cookies bring a sweet sense of nostalgia to any holiday table with their crisp texture and aromatic blend of cinnamon and almonds. These cookies are elegantly dusted with a snowy white glaze that leads to smiles every time they are shared or gifted. Baking them is a yearly tradition in my home, filling the kitchen with a fragrance that always signals celebration.

The first time I baked these, my hands were sticky and my heart was hopeful. By the end, I felt like a holiday magician and my family devoured them before I could even arrange them on a plate. Now these cookies are a must every December.

Ingredients

• Finely ground almonds: create a rich nutty base and keep the texture light
• Powdered sugar: gives the right amount of sweetness and helps the glaze gloss beautifully
• Ground cinnamon: delivers aromatic spice that is signature to the cookies character
• Egg whites: bind everything and give the icing its cloud-like finish
• Lemon juice: sharpens the flavors and balances the sweetness
• A pinch of salt: heightens all the flavors in the mix
• Vanilla extract: infuses undertones of warmth use pure vanilla for best effect

• Choose fresh high-quality almonds that smell sweet and clean.
• When picking cinnamon, opt for a freshly opened jar for the strongest aroma.

Instructions

Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl stir the ground almonds with powdered sugar cinnamon and a pinch of salt until everything is evenly blended. This mix should feel and smell welcomingly fragrant.

Whip and Flavor the Egg Whites:

In another bowl whisk the egg whites on medium speed until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the vanilla extract and lemon juice. The peaks should stand tall and glossy giving you the structure needed for the dough.

Combine and Shape the Dough:

Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula and take your time until no dry spots remain. The dough will be sticky but should hold together. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour which will make rolling much easier.

Roll and Cut the Cookies:

When ready place the chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll to about one centimeter thickness. If the dough sticks more chilling is key. Use a star-shaped cutter to stamp out cookies and arrange them on lined baking sheets.

Mix and Spread the Icing:

For the glossy icing whisk a fresh egg white until frothy. Gradually sift in powdered sugar and add lemon juice. Mix until no lumps remain and the consistency is thick but still spreads smoothly. Brush a delicate layer onto each cookie with a pastry brush so the edges look neat.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake at 160 degrees Celsius for about twelve minutes. The goal is set icing and firm cookies without browning the tops. Let the cookies cool fully on a wire rack which helps the glaze set without smudging.

Store or Serve:

Once cooled store the cookies in an airtight container. They keep their snap for up to two weeks and the flavor deepens over time.

The scent of freshly ground cinnamon in my kitchen was my first official step into holiday baking. I always sneak a bit of lemon juice into the glaze which makes the stars shine brighter and adds a hint of zest that reminds me of winter mornings with my grandmother.

Storage Tips

Keep the cookies in an airtight tin lined with parchment to retain their crunch. They last up to two weeks at room temperature so make them ahead for a busy season. If you want to freeze the dough for later wrap tightly and freeze after shaping but before baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have ground almonds almond flour works beautifully for an even silkier crumb. For a milder flavor swap cinnamon for cardamom or mixed spice. Vanilla paste gives the most aroma but extract is perfectly fine.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with afternoon tea or mulled wine for a festive treat. Arrange in gift boxes lined with tissue for neighbors or friends. Top each cookie with a single silver dragée for an elegant finish.

Cultural and Historical Context

Cinnamon star cookies or Zimtsterne are an icon of German Weihnachten or Christmas. They have been baked in homes across Germany and neighboring countries for centuries known for their aromatic promise and beautiful shape. Baking them is a festive ritual and a symbol of comforting heritage.

Seasonal Adaptations

Vary the spices by adding nutmeg or cloves for deeper warmth. Decorate with colored sugar for spring or summer celebrations. Add orange zest for extra holiday sparkle.

Plan your baking

Plan your baking for cold dry days when icing sets perfectly. Cut smaller stars for a bite sized version good for sharing at parties. Kids love pressing out the stars and getting a dusting of flour on their noses.

Success Stories

After gifting these cookies to a friend last year she wrote to say they became the centerpiece of her own holiday table. Another neighbor said their children now call them magic snow stars. That is the sort of shared joy baking can bring.

Freezer Meal Conversion

To prepare ahead you can freeze the shaped unbaked cookies between sheets of parchment in a freezer safe container. Bake from frozen adding a couple extra minutes to the timer. Icing can be made fresh or in small batches as needed.

Let these cinnamon stars be the magical staple of your holiday season. Their aroma, sparkle, and simple joy always bring people together.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What nuts are used in cinnamon star cookies?

Finely ground almonds form the base, providing a mild, nutty flavor and tender texture in every star.

→ How do you achieve the snowy white icing?

The glaze is made by whisking egg white, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until smooth and thick, then brushed on each cookie before baking.

→ Why chill the dough before rolling?

Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll and cut perfect star shapes without sticking.

→ Can almond flour replace ground almonds?

Yes, almond flour yields the same nutty taste and provides a finer, softer crumb in the finished cookies.

→ How should these cookies be stored?

Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness and flavor for up to two weeks.

→ Are these cinnamon stars suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, these cookies contain no meat or gelatin, making them suitable for a vegetarian diet.