Description
Zimtsterne enchant German holiday tables with delicate almond and cinnamon nuances. Delicate star-shaped cookies promise festive warmth and sweet elegance you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4.5 cups ground almonds
- 2.5 cups powdered sugar
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 egg whites
Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons almond liqueur (or 1 tablespoon pure almond extract plus 1 tablespoon water or milk)
Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg white
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
- Thoroughly mix ground almonds, powdered sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a spacious mixing bowl until uniformly combined.
- Whip egg whites in a separate container until they transform into a light, frothy texture with soft, delicate peaks.
- Gently incorporate almond liqueur or almond extract with water into the whipped egg whites, creating a smooth, fragrant liquid.
- Fold the egg white mixture into the dry ingredients, kneading meticulously until a cohesive, pliable dough forms.
- Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and allow it to rest in the refrigerator overnight, enabling the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Prepare the glaze by vigorously beating an egg white while gradually introducing powdered sugar, whisking until the mixture achieves a silky, glossy consistency.
- Dust the work surface generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking, then carefully extract a quarter of the chilled dough.
- Roll the dough to a precise 1/4-inch (0.6 centimeters) thickness, ensuring an even, smooth surface.
- Select either of two decorating techniques: first method involves using a star-shaped cookie cutter dipped in flour or water, cutting precise shapes and placing them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Alternatively, spread a generous, uniform layer of glaze across the entire dough sheet, then freeze for approximately 2 hours before cutting intricate star shapes.
- Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C), creating a gentle, low-temperature environment for baking.
- Arrange the cookie stars on parchment-lined baking sheets, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching carefully to ensure the cookies set without browning.
- Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5-10 minutes, permitting them to firm up slightly.
- Transfer the delicate cookies to wire cooling racks, letting them reach room temperature and achieve their final, crisp texture.
Notes
- Overnight Flavor Infusion: Refrigerate the dough for at least 8 hours to develop rich, deep almond and cinnamon notes that will make these cookies truly memorable.
- Precise Rolling Technique: Use powdered sugar instead of flour when rolling to prevent dryness and maintain the delicate texture of these traditional German holiday treats.
- Egg White Glaze Mastery: Whip the egg white carefully, adding powdered sugar gradually to create a smooth, glossy coating that sets beautifully and gives the cookies their signature shine.
- Temperature Matters: Bake at a low 275°F to ensure the cookies set perfectly without browning, preserving their delicate star shape and tender crumb.
- Make-Ahead Magic: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them ideal for holiday preparation and gifting.
- Cutting Pro Tip: Keep your star-shaped cookie cutter dipped in water or flour to prevent sticking and create clean, precise cookie edges.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg