Name: Heavenly Zimtsterne Christmas Cookie Recipe Everyone Will Love
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2.25 cups Confectioners' Sugar (Sifted for smooth consistency.); 15 ounces Sliced Almonds (Finely ground for smooth dough.); 1.25 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon (Check for freshness to maximize flavor.); 3 large Egg Whites (Use at room temperature for better volume.); 2 teaspoons Lemon Zest (Can be swapped with orange zest.); 0.67 cups Reserved Meringue Mixture (Essential for the traditional look.); Additional Almond Slices (Optional for decoration.)

The sweet aroma of cinnamon and almonds wafting through the kitchen can transport me straight to cozy holiday gatherings filled with laughter and joy. Zimtsterne Christmas Cookies, or cinnamon stars, embody this nostalgic spirit, offering a delightful blend of flavors and a unique texture that is both crisp and chewy. With just five simple ingredients, this recipe is incredibly approachable, making it perfect for bakers at any skill level looking to spread some seasonal cheer. Not to mention, these gluten-free delightfully chewy cookies are not only a festive treat but also a wonderful gift for friends and family alike. Can you imagine the smiles when they receive a tin filled with these holiday treasures? Let’s dive into this simple yet scrumptious recipe together!

Why Are Zimtsterne So Irresistible?

Crisp Yet Chewy: The perfect balance of textures makes these cookies delightful, with a crisp exterior and a chewy center that keeps you coming back for more.

Simple Ingredients: With only five straightforward components, these cookies are easy to whip up, making them ideal for both novice and seasoned bakers.

Gluten-Free Goodness: Everyone can enjoy the festive flavors, as these Zimtsterne Christmas Cookies are naturally gluten-free, perfect for gatherings where dietary restrictions matter.

Holiday Tradition: These cookies are not just tasty—they carry the warmth of German holiday traditions, adding a special touch to any festive table or cookie platter.

Gift-Worthy Presentation: Package them in decorative tins for a thoughtful homemade gift that will surely impress friends and family, just like my delicious Patriotic Thumbprint Cookies.

Get ready to create memories and spread joy with these charming treats that are bound to bring smiles all around!

Zimtsterne Christmas Cookie Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

Confectioners’ Sugar (2¼ cups) – Provides sweetness and structure; be sure to sift for a smooth consistency.
Sliced Almonds (15 ounces) – Offer the base flavor and delightful crunch; finely ground is best for a smooth dough.
Ground Cinnamon (1¼ teaspoons) – The primary spice that infuses warmth and richness; always check for freshness to maximize flavor.
Egg Whites (3 large) – Act as a binding agent for that signature meringue texture; use at room temperature for better volume.
Lemon Zest (2 teaspoons) – Brightens and elevates the overall flavor profile; can be swapped with orange zest for a different twist.

For the Topping

Reserved Meringue Mixture (⅔ cup) – Adds a glossy finish and extra sweetness on top of the cookies; essential for that traditional look.
Additional Almond Slices – Perfect for decorating the cookies with a nutty crunch; optional but enhances visual appeal!

These Zimtsterne Christmas Cookies will not only fill your home with a festive aroma but also create memories that last for years to come. Happy baking!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Zimtsterne Christmas Cookie

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). While your oven heats up, line two baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper, ensuring they are ready for your delicious Zimtsterne. This will help prevent sticking and promote even cooking as these delightful cookies bake.

Step 2: Blend the Dry Ingredients
In a food processor, combine ½ cup of confectioners’ sugar, 10 ounces of sliced almonds, and 1¼ teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Blitz the mixture until it reaches a fine consistency, which will create a smooth base for your Zimtsterne. This process should take about 30-45 seconds, giving you a deliciously aromatic blend.

Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites
In a clean mixing bowl, whip 3 large egg whites on high speed using an electric mixer, until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. Gradually add the remaining 1¾ cups of confectioners’ sugar, continuing to whip until the mixture becomes thick and glossy, resembling a sturdy meringue. This step is crucial as it gives your cookies that lovely chewy texture.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures for Dough
Once your egg white mixture is ready, reserve ⅔ cup of it for the topping. Gently fold the blended almond mixture and 2 teaspoons of lemon zest into the remaining egg whites until a stiff dough forms. This should take about a minute of careful mixing, ensuring that all ingredients are well-combined yet light.

Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough
Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your Zimtsterne cookies, placing each cut-out carefully onto the prepared baking sheets. This rolling method helps prevent sticking and keeps cleanup minimal!

Step 6: Add Meringue Topping
Using the reserved ⅔ cup of meringue mixture, gently spread a layer over each cookie. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle additional almond slices on top while the meringue is still wet. This will create a beautiful finish once baked, highlighting the almond crunch against the glossy meringue.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Carefully place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake your Zimtsterne for about 30 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when the bottoms are golden brown and the meringue is set. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking, as we want that marvelous texture!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
After 30 minutes, turn off the oven but leave the cookies inside for an additional 10 minutes to cool slowly. This helps them set perfectly. Once cooled, let the cookies rest on a wire rack for a few minutes before transferring them to an airtight container to maintain freshness. Enjoy your homemade Zimtsterne Christmas Cookies!

How to Store and Freeze Zimtsterne Christmas Cookies

Room Temperature: Store baked Zimtsterne in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Their flavor will deepen, and they will become chewier over time.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can keep them in the fridge to extend their freshness for up to a week. Make sure they are in an airtight container to prevent dryness.
Freezer: For longer preservation, freeze unbaked dough or baked cookies for up to 2 weeks. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge before baking or at room temperature before enjoying!
Reheating: To refresh the texture, pop baked cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will make them wonderful again, just like fresh Zimtsterne straight from the oven!

What to Serve with Zimtsterne Christmas Cookies

The delightful aroma of cinnamon and almonds invites a warm and cozy gathering, making your holiday table truly special.

Creamy Hot Chocolate: Rich and velvety, this drink complements the spiced notes of Zimtsterne with its creamy sweetness, creating a festive pairing. Imagine sipping together while the warmth envelops you.
Glazed Gingerbread Cookies: Their spiced flavor enhances the holiday spirit and provides a lovely textural contrast to the chewiness of your Zimtsterne cookies.
Spiced Apple Cider: A warm, aromatic drink that balances the sweetness of the cookies while adding a fruity kick—perfect for a chilly evening gathering.
Whipped Cream: Adorning your Zimtsterne with a dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a luxurious creaminess to each bite, elevating their taste.
Christmas Fruitcake: The rich, fruity depth of this traditional cake creates a wonderful flavor contrast, making for a nostalgic holiday treat among festive bites.
Nutty Biscotti: Sipping coffee with crunchy biscotti perfectly complements the chewiness of Zimtsterne. The nutty flavors echo the almond notes while enhancing your holiday experience.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of this creamy delight next to Zimtsterne adds a delightful chill, balancing the cookies’ spices and creating a divine dessert duo.
Fruity Tarts: Light and refreshing, a berry tart provides a contrast to the meringue sweetness and balances the spice of the cookies brilliantly.

Serve these alongside your Zimtsterne Christmas Cookies to create a memorable holiday feast that will leave everyone smiling!

Make Ahead Options

These Zimtsterne Christmas Cookies are perfect for busy bakers looking to simplify their holiday preparations! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance, storing it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Alternatively, if you prefer to save even more time, you can shape the cookies and keep them on the baking sheets covered in the fridge for the same timeframe. Just before baking, remember to spread the meringue topping and sprinkle with almond slices. Staying organized with these make-ahead options ensures that your Zimtsterne remain just as delicious and festive when it’s time to serve them!

Zimtsterne Christmas Cookie Variations

Get ready to sprinkle some creativity into your baking with these fun twists!

Nut Swap: Replace sliced almonds with crushed hazelnuts for a deliciously different flavor profile. Hazelnuts bring a rich, buttery taste that harmonizes beautifully with cinnamon.
Chocolate-Coated: Dip the baked cookies in dark chocolate for an indulgent finish. The chocolate adds a luscious depth that complements the warm flavors of the spices perfectly.
Spice Mix: Give the cookies a unique kick by adding nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon. A little sprinkle of these spices can enhance the holiday warmth and create a more complex flavor.
Citrus Twist: Instead of lemon zest, try orange zest for a fresh, fruity touch. The vibrant citrus notes will brighten the cookies and add a new layer of flavor that resonates with the holiday spirit.
Fruit Infusion: Mix in dried cranberries or cherries into the dough for a fruity surprise. They will add a lovely chewiness and a delightful tartness that contrasts nicely with the sweetness.
Almond Flour: Use almond flour instead of sliced almonds for a smoother texture. This substitution keeps the same great flavor while adjusting the cookie’s consistency to be even more melt-in-your-mouth.
Decorative Finish: Top the cookies with colorful sprinkles or edible glitter just before baking for a festive touch. It’s a simple way to make your cookie platter shine and spread even more holiday cheer!

Incorporating these variations can elevate your Zimtsterne and make your holiday gatherings even more special. If you’re in the mood for more cookie inspiration, don’t miss my delightful Lava Brownie Cookies or a classic Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Expert Tips for Zimtsterne Christmas Cookies

Room Temperature Egg Whites: Start with egg whites at room temperature to achieve maximum volume and a fluffy meringue texture, which is vital for Zimtsterne.
Sifting is Key: Always sift confectioners’ sugar before using it. This ensures a smooth consistency, preventing graininess in your cookies.
Rolling Technique: Roll the dough between parchment paper to prevent sticking. This also makes shaping the cookies easier and minimizes mess!
Chill If Necessary: If your dough becomes sticky while cutting shapes, refrigerate it for a short period. This will make it easier to handle and cut.
Proper Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container. They will develop a delightful chewiness over time, enhancing the flavors of your Zimtsterne Christmas Cookies.
Decorative Touch: Don’t skip the almond slices on top; they add a lovely crunch and visual appeal to your cookies, making them even more festive!

Zimtsterne Christmas Cookie Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting almonds?
Absolutely! When selecting almonds for your Zimtsterne, aim for sliced almonds that are fresh and have a pleasant, nutty aroma. Look for ones without any visible dark spots or an off smell, as these could indicate they are past their prime. If possible, purchase from bulk bins where you can check their freshness.

How should I store my Zimtsterne once baked?
To keep your baked Zimtsterne Christmas Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will allow the flavors to deepen and the cookies to develop a delightful chewiness. If you want to keep them longer, transfer them to the fridge in an airtight container for about a week.

Can I freeze Zimtsterne dough or the baked cookies?
Yes, very! You can freeze both the unbaked dough and baked cookies. To freeze the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. You can keep it for up to 2 weeks. To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. For reuse, thaw the dough in the fridge overnight and bake; thaw baked cookies at room temperature before enjoying.

What if my meringue does not whip to stiff peaks?
No worries; this can happen! If your meringue isn’t forming stiff peaks, ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any fat. Egg whites whip best at room temperature, so if they were cold, give them a little more time to warm up. If you’ve over-beaten, you may end up with a dry meringue, so keep a close watch during whipping. Gently fold in a little fresh egg white to salvage it if that happens!

Are Zimtsterne safe for people with nut allergies?
Unfortunately, Zimtsterne Christmas Cookies are not suitable for those with nut allergies, as they contain almonds. If you’re looking for a nut-free alternative, consider creating a similar cookie using sunbutter (sunflower seed butter) and adjusting the flavors accordingly. Just remember to double-check all ingredients for nut cross-contamination if you’re baking for someone with allergies.