{"id":46509,"date":"2021-12-20T15:04:36","date_gmt":"2021-12-20T21:04:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cupcakeproject.com\/?p=46509"},"modified":"2023-12-06T09:19:47","modified_gmt":"2023-12-06T15:19:47","slug":"zimtsterne-german-cinnamon-star-cookies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cupcakeproject.com\/zimtsterne-german-cinnamon-star-cookies\/","title":{"rendered":"Authentic Zimtsterne (German Christmas Cookies)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Zimtsterne<\/strong>, or cinnamon stars, are classic German Christmas cookies. They are similar to gingerbread cookies, but made with ground almonds and flavored heavily with cinnamon. They are chewy on the inside and very crispy on the outside, simple to make, and glazed plainly with egg whites and sugar.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Top<\/a>
These classic German cinnamon stars are a sweet and delicious treat that’s perfect to serve around the holidays!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

I learned this Zimtsterne recipe from Lilly of Lilly’s German Bakery<\/a>. It’s a family favorite that she grew up with and I was so excited to get to bake this authentic recipe together with her in my St. Louis kitchen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Ingredients<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Overhead<\/a>
You only need a few simple ingredients to make these traditional German Christmas cookies!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Zimtsterne are gluten-free cookies made without any all-purpose flour. The main ingredient is ground almonds. You can grind your own in a food processor or purchase almond meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Powered sugar is used in the Zimtsterne dough itself, on the table when you roll out the dough, and in the glaze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cinnamon is the main flavor of the recipe. If you are picky about your cinnamon types (I’m not), use your favorite variety in these cookies. If you want to go non-traditional, add in some other spices like nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cardamom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is also a touch of spiced dark rum in the Zimtsterne dough. It adds to the flavor of the cookies, but doesn’t make them taste rum-like at all. If you don’t use alcohol, you could always substitute a spiced apple cider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How It’s Made<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Start by whisking together the dry ingredients (ground almonds, powered sugar, cinnamon, and salt).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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    \"Glass<\/a>
    This Zimtsterne recipe produces delicious cookies that have a distinct cinnamon flavor.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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    1. Mix in egg whites and rum using your hands. Place the dough on a surface lightly dusted with powdered sugar and knead to bring it all together.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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      \"Kneading<\/a>
      Making these cinnamon Christmas cookies is a fun hands-on experience!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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      1. Roll out the dough to 1\/4 inch thick and cut out 2″ wide stars. I recommend buying a star cookie cutter set [paid link]<\/a>. It’s fun to have all the different sizes. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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        \"Rolled<\/a>
        Use a star cookie cutter to make these German Christmas cookies super easy to cut out from the dough.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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        1. Make the glaze by whipping egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form and then folding in powdered sugar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Brush the uncooked stars with the glaze or dip one side of them into the glaze and then smooth it out. Both methods work well.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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          \"Brushing<\/a>
          A homemade glaze gives your Christmas star cookies an extra shine and some added sweetness!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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          1. Bake at 300 F for about 12 minutes. They may not seem totally done, but they will harden as they cool.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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            \"Zimtsterne<\/a>
            These simple but stunning German Christmas cookies will be a huge hit at any cookie swap or holiday party! Make these Zimtsterne and see for yourself why these German cookies are a classic Christmas dessert.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

            Expert Tips and FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
            Can I cut the recipe in half?<\/strong>

            Yes! No problem. You don’t always need 70 cookies and this recipe works just as well cut in half.<\/p> <\/div>

            How should I store Zimtsterne cookies?<\/strong>

            They last for a couple of weeks at room temperature in a loosely covered container. They also freeze very well.<\/p> <\/div>

            Do I have to glaze Zimtsterne?<\/strong>

            No! I have baked them with and without the glaze and both ways work well. If you don’t use the glaze, you can decorate after the fact with your favorite frosting or royal icing.<\/p> <\/div>

            What does Zimtsterne mean?<\/strong>

            This German word “Zimtsterne” comes from the combination of two shorter words: “zimt” meaning cinnamon, and “sterne” meaning star.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

            Other Christmas Cookies and German Desserts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n