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Zimtsterne

A delightful recipe for traditional German cinnamon star cookies, featuring a unique texture and warm cinnamon flavor, perfect for the holiday season.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 48 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: German
Calories: 80
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the meringue
  • 3 large egg whites, room temperature
  • 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted Set aside 4 tablespoons for icing
For the cookie dough
  • 2 cups ground almonds Use fresh ground for best flavor
  • 1 cup ground hazelnuts Can substitute with finely ground oats
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla sugar
  • 1 tsp lemon juice Fresh lemon juice recommended

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Be careful not to overbeat.
  2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the egg whites while continuing to beat until the mixture is glossy and smooth.
  3. Set aside about 4 tablespoons of the meringue mixture for icing.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine ground almonds, hazelnuts, cinnamon, and vanilla sugar. Fold in the egg white mixture gently to form a sticky dough.
Cookie Assembly
  1. Place the sticky dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll out to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  2. Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out cookies and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Spread the reserved meringue mixture on top of each star.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake the cookies for 15 to 18 minutes or until lightly golden.

Notes

For added flavor, consider mixing in orange zest into the dough. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.