Authentic German Zimtsterne (Cinnamon Stars) Recipe

Ingredients

3 cups of Almonds
2 1/4 cups of Powdered Sugar
2 teaspoons of Cinnamon
3 Egg Whites
1/4 teaspoon of Cream of Tartar
A pinch of Salt
1 tablespoon of Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon of Kirsch (cherry schnapps)
2 teaspoons of Vanilla Extract

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Grind the almonds in a food processor until they become a fine meal. Set aside.
In a large bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt until they form soft peaks.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and cinnamon mixture into the beaten egg whites, continuing to beat until the mixture forms stiff peaks.
Reserve about 1/2 cup of this meringue mixture for the topping.
Add the ground almonds, lemon juice, kirsch, and vanilla extract to the remaining meringue mixture and mix until well combined.
On a surface dusted with powdered sugar, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Spread the reserved meringue mixture on top of each cookie.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools for making

Food Processor - Used to grind the almonds into a fine meal.
Large Bowl - Used to mix the powdered sugar and cinnamon.
Separate Bowl - Used to beat the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt.
Star-shaped Cookie Cutter - Used to cut out the cookie shapes.
Baking Sheets - Used to line and bake the cookies.
Parchment Paper - Used to line the baking sheets and prevent sticking.
Wire Rack - Used to cool the cookies after baking.
Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
Powdered Sugar - Used to dust the surface when rolling out the dough.

Recipe variations

Use hazelnuts or walnuts instead of almonds for a different flavor.
Replace the powdered sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly different sweetness.
Add a teaspoon of ginger or nutmeg to the cinnamon for a spiced variation.
Replace the lemon juice with orange juice for a citrus twist.
Add a teaspoon of almond extract in addition to the vanilla extract for a stronger almond flavor.
Use gluten-free flour or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
Top the cookies with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking for added sweetness.
Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top of the cooled cookies for a chocolatey twist.
Make the cookies sandwich-style by spreading a layer of apricot jam between two cookies.
For a vegan version, replace the egg whites with aquafaba (chickpea brine) and use vegan-friendly powdered sugar.

Recipe overview

The Zimtsterne, or cinnamon stars, are a classic German Christmas cookie that will add a delightful touch to your holiday celebrations. These delicious, star-shaped cookies are made with a base of ground almonds, giving them a rich and nutty flavor. This is complemented by the warmth of the cinnamon and the zesty hint of lemon. The cookies are topped with a sweet meringue, which is lightly baked to give it a soft and chewy texture. This recipe is straightforward to make, and the result is a batch of beautifully festive cookies that your family will adore. Whether you're new to baking or a seasoned pro, this Zimtsterne recipe is a must-try this holiday season.

Common questions

Can I use other nuts instead of almonds? Yes, you can use other nuts such as hazelnuts or walnuts as a substitution for almonds in this recipe. However, keep in mind that it may alter the flavor and texture of the Zimtsterne cookies.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Absolutely! Zimtsterne cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks. They actually tend to develop more flavor after a day or two.
Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the Zimtsterne dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before freezing. When you're ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting the cookies.
How do I get the perfect shape for the cookies? To ensure a perfect shape, make sure to roll the dough to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. Additionally, using a star-shaped cookie cutter will give you the classic Zimtsterne shape.
Can I omit the Kirsch (cherry schnapps)? Yes, you can omit the Kirsch if you prefer not to use alcohol. The cookies will still taste delicious without it. You can substitute it with a small amount of cherry juice or simply omit it altogether.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking Sheets - Used for baking the Zimtsterne cookies.
Parchment Paper - Lined on the baking sheets to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Food Processor - Used to grind the almonds into a fine meal.
Large Bowl - Used to mix the powdered sugar and cinnamon.
Separate Bowl - Used to beat the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt.
Cookie Cutter (Star-shaped) - Used to cut out the Zimtsterne cookies.
Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
Powdered Sugar - Used for dusting the surface when rolling out the dough.
Wire Rack - Used for cooling the baked Zimtsterne cookies.

Origin stories

Zimtsterne, or cinnamon stars, are a quintessential part of the German Christmas tradition. Hailing from the Swabia region in South Germany, these delightful cookies are deeply rooted in the local culture and cuisine. Characteristically star-shaped and covered in a glossy, snowy-white icing, they are not just delicious, but also a feast for the eyes. Their history is as rich and complex as their flavor, dating back to the Middle Ages when spices like cinnamon were highly prized and used in special occasion foods. Today, no Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) in Germany would be complete without these fragrant, almond-based treats. They embody the spirit of the season, with their warm, exotic spice mingling with the sweet, comforting familiarity of almonds and sugar. To taste a Zimtstern is to partake in a centuries-old culinary tradition, a sweet celebration of history and holiday cheer.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.