Zimtsterne (German Cinnamon Star Cookies)
Zimtsterne are traditional German cinnamon star cookies made with almond flour, egg whites, and cinnamon. A classic flourless Christmas cookie.
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 75kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar plus more for dusting
- 2¾ cups almond flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 large egg whites room temperature
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine ¾ cup of the confectioners’ sugar, almond flour, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Stir until evenly mixed and set aside.
- Add the egg whites and salt to a mixing bowl. Using a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat on low speed until soft peaks form.
- While whisking, gradually add the remaining confectioners’ sugar and continue beating until thick and glossy on medium-high speed. The mixture will hold its shape but will be softer than a traditional meringue.
- Reserve about ⅓ cup of the meringue mixture and set it aside. This will be for the topping.
- Add the almond flour mixture to the remaining meringue and mix gently until a dough forms.
- Preheat the oven to 250°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Dust a sheet of parchment paper with confectioners’ sugar and place the dough on top. Lightly dust the top of the dough with more powdered sugar, then cover with another sheet of parchment paper. Using an adjustable rolling pin, roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Using a piping bottle, pastry brush, or spoon, glaze the tops of the star shapes with the reserved meringue mixture..
- Bake for about 23 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden and the meringue topping is set.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and allow the cookies to dry in the oven for an additional 15 minutes. Remove and let cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Parchment paper makes rolling easier and eliminates sticking.
- Dust the work surface with powdered sugar instead of flour.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 75kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Sodium: 31mg | Potassium: 8mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.5g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg
