Easy Homemade Cinnamon Stars: Authentic German Zimtsterne Recipe

If you’re craving a delightful holiday treat, these easy homemade cinnamon stars are a must-try. Known as Zimtsterne in Germany, these cookies bring together the warm flavor of cinnamon and the rich taste of almonds in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite. You’ll love how simple the recipe is and how perfect the results turn out every time.

this Recipe

Making cinnamon stars at home is a wonderful way to bring some festive spirit into your kitchen while enjoying a classic German dessert. This easy homemade cinnamon stars recipe lets you create authentic Zimtsterne that are both beautiful and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic German flavor with a perfect cinnamon and almond balance.
• Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
• Easy to make with no complicated techniques or equipment needed.
• Perfectly soft and chewy texture with a sweet, glossy glaze.
• Great for holiday gifting or sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious cinnamon stars. They’re straightforward and create a wonderful base and glaze for the cookies.

• 2 cups finely ground almond flour
• 1 cup powdered sugar, plus 1/2 cup for the glaze
• 2 large egg whites, room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories: Approximately 90 per cookie

How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Stars: The Best German Zimtsterne Recipe You’ll Love!

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites with cream of tartar and a pinch of salt until frothy but not stiff.
3. Gradually add the 1 cup powdered sugar while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
4. Gently fold in the almond flour and ground cinnamon, then add the vanilla extract, combining carefully to keep the mixture airy.
5. Dust your working surface with powdered sugar and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
6. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out stars and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. For the glaze, whisk the remaining 1/2 cup powdered sugar with a tablespoon of egg white until smooth and glossy, then brush this glaze over each cookie gently.
8. Bake the cinnamon stars for 12 to 15 minutes until they are set but still soft inside—avoid browning.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use finely ground almond flour for the best texture; coarse bits can affect the chewiness.
• Make sure egg whites are at room temperature to achieve proper meringue peaks.
• Don’t overbake; the cookies should be soft inside with just a firm outer crust.
• Dust your rolling surface with powdered sugar to prevent sticking without adding flour.
• Allow the glaze to dry completely before stacking or storing to keep its shine and texture.

Storage and Reheating

Store your cinnamon stars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They remain soft and delicious, perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season.

If you wish to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving; reheating is not necessary, as these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?

Traditional Zimtsterne rely on almond flour for their signature taste and texture. Using regular flour will change the flavor and make the cookies denser and less chewy, so it’s best to stick with almond flour.

How do I achieve the perfect glaze on cinnamon stars?

The glaze is made from egg white and powdered sugar whisked until smooth and shiny. Brush it on before baking, and let the cookies cool completely so the glaze hardens to a beautiful, glossy finish.

Are cinnamon stars gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe uses almond flour and no wheat flour, making cinnamon stars naturally gluten-free and suitable for those avoiding gluten.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Traditionally, cinnamon stars use egg whites for structure and glaze, which are difficult to replace. Vegan alternatives exist but may require different ingredients and techniques, so this recipe is not vegan.