Zimsterne (German Cinnamon Star Cookies)

Zimsterne is one of the most popular and traditional parts of Christmas in Germany. Zimsterne, or 'cinnamon star' cookies are made almost entirely of ground nuts – traditionally almonds but also commonly combined with hazelnuts. A southern German specialty, they are gluten free and dairy free. They feature a white hard frosting made from sugar and egg white.

Zimsterne

Ingredients

3 cups sliced almonds, preferably blanched

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tbsp plus 1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp salt

1 tbsp honey

1 large egg white

Glaze

1 1/3 cups powdered sugar, more if needed

1 large egg white

1 tsp kirsch, clear brandy, eau-de-vie or

freshly squeezed lemon juice

Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place first four ingredients in food processor. Process until almonds are finely ground. Add honey and egg; process until smooth. If mixture is dry, add a little water;process until dough comes together.

Dust a work surface with enough powdered sugar to keep dough from sticking; roll dough to 1/3 inch thick (no thinner). Cut out stars and place on baking sheet.

Bake; rotate baking sheet midway during baking, until the cookies are lightly browned, about 12 mins. They should be soft; don’t over bake. Let cool on baking sheet.

To make glaze: in a small bowl, mix the sugar and egg until smooth, then mix in kirsch. Glaze should be thick, opaque, and almost hard to stir. If necessary, stir in additional powdered sugar.

Spread glaze on top of cookies. Remove excess, leaving a layer just thick enough to not see the cookie through it. Let glaze dry completely.

#zimsterne #Germany #cinnamonstars #gingerbread #Christmascookies #Germancookies #ChristmasinGermany