Save These cinnamon star cookies are my favorite homemade gift for the holidays; their snowy glaze and soft almond interior impress everyone who tries them. Perfect for festive gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat, they always look as magical stacked on a plate as they taste fresh from the oven.
The first time I made these cookies was for a school bake sale. My kitchen smelled like spiced winter and the whole batch disappeared before lunchtime. Now, friends start hinting in November for a tin of these stars.
Ingredients
- Finely ground almonds: Give each cookie a soft yet toothsome body. Choose fresh ground almonds or high quality almond flour for the best flavor and texture.
- Powdered sugar: Assures a smooth dough and a perfectly silken glaze. Sift for a seamless mix.
- Ground cinnamon: Provides that warm spiced note everyone loves. Use a fresh jar for maximum aroma.
- Salt: Just a pinch wakes up all the other flavors. Kosher salt dissolves easily for even seasoning.
- Large egg whites: Help the dough come together without heaviness and give the icing shine and structure. Always use real eggs for best results.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the cookie’s aroma. Real extract is worth the splurge.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the almonds and balances the sweetness. A freshly squeezed lemon works best.
- For the icing another egg white: Creates that classic satiny glaze. Adjust lemon juice as needed for smooth spreading.
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Base:
- Begin by thoroughly blending ground almonds powdered sugar ground cinnamon and salt in a large bowl. This even mix ensures each bite is tender and flavorful.
- Whip the Egg Whites:
- In a separate bowl whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks hold their shape. Gently add vanilla extract and lemon juice at the very end to keep the mixture light.
- Combine Wet and Dry:
- Fold the whipped egg whites into the dry mix softly using a spatula. Mix only until a sticky dough forms to maintain a delicate texture.
- Chill the Dough:
- Wrap the dough snugly in plastic wrap and chill for at least one hour. Proper chilling makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Roll and Shape:
- Once firm place the dough between two pieces of parchment and roll to about one half inch thick. Use a star shaped cutter to cut out cookies and transfer them to prepared baking sheets.
- Make the Glaze:
- Whisk a fresh egg white until frothy then slowly add powdered sugar and lemon juice until a thick glossy icing forms. It should be easy to spread but not runny.
- Ice the Stars:
- Using a pastry brush gently spread a thin layer of icing on each unbaked cookie. Cover each point for a frosted look.
- Bake the Stars:
- Place cookies in a preheated oven at three hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for ten to twelve minutes watching for the icing to set into a shell while the cookies remain pale and soft.
- Cool and Finish:
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely. At this point the glaze will harden and the cookies become easy to stack or serve.
Save My favorite part about these is how the cinnamon wafts through the house while baking. When my niece first helped me ice them her careful star shapes looked so charming we felt like artists together.
Storage Tips
Once cooled store cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment to protect the glaze. They stay fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature in a tin. If you prefer to make ahead the dough also freezes well for up to a month just thaw and roll when needed.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a slightly more tender crumb try using blanched almond flour in place of ground almonds. If you prefer a lighter flavor orange zest can be swapped for lemon juice in both dough and glaze. Vanilla bean paste is a luxurious substitute for vanilla extract if you want visible flecks and a richer aroma.
Serving Suggestions
These stars shine on a holiday cookie plate paired with hot tea or mulled wine. Stack them in a clear jar for a homemade edible gift or serve alongside fruit for an elegant dessert spread. For an extra touch sprinkle a bit of edible gold dust or colored sugar over the glaze for sparkle.
Cultural and Historical Context
Cinnamon star cookies also known as Zimtsterne are a cherished classic in German and Swiss holiday traditions. Their star shape represents hope and joy during winter celebrations and the snowy frosting mirrors frosty windows. The cookies have been enjoyed for centuries at Christmas markets bringing comfort and cheer through generations.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use warm autumn spices such as nutmeg and cardamom to vary the cookie’s character Swap in fresh orange juice and zest for a spring twist on the glaze Decorate with dried edible flowers for a summer celebration
Success Stories
Once I gifted a tin of these to a neighbor and they became her family’s most anticipated holiday treat. Another year my little cousin insisted on making a batch together during a snow day. She ended up eating almost as much dough as finished cookies
Freezer Meal Conversion
To save time during busy months make the dough up to two weeks in advance and freeze in a tightly wrapped log. Slice and roll when ready to bake and glaze as usual for freshly made stars in minutes.
Save Stacked on a plate or in a tin these cinnamon stars bring delight to all who try them. Bake a batch and share a little edible joy this festive season.