Glazed Cinnamon Nut Cookies – Zimtsterne

Glazed Cinnamon Nut Cookies – Zimtsterne: A Traditional German Delight

If you’re looking for a festive and delicious holiday treat, these Glazed Cinnamon Nut Cookies, known as Zimtsterne in Germany, are the perfect addition to your cookie repertoire. Made with ground almonds, spiced with cinnamon, and topped with a sweet glaze, these cookies are both chewy and crunchy, with a warm, nutty flavor that will instantly transport you to a cozy winter wonderland. Though they take some time to prepare, the result is a beautiful, star-shaped cookie that’s worth every minute.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive and Unique: These star-shaped cookies are a holiday classic in Germany and will bring an international flair to your dessert table.
• Naturally Gluten-Free: Made with ground almonds instead of flour, these cookies are naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are beautiful and delicious, making them an ideal homemade gift during the holiday season.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 4 ½ cups ground almonds (almond meal is recommended; almond flour is too fine)
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 pinch of salt
• 3 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 egg whites
• 2 tablespoons almond liqueur (or 1 tablespoon pure almond extract plus 1 tablespoon water or milk)

For the Glaze

• 1 egg white
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, powdered sugar, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until foamy (or soft peaks if you’re using a stand mixer). Stir in the almond liqueur or the mixture of almond extract with water or milk.

Next, add the egg white mixture to the dry ingredients. Knead the dough until everything is well combined. It should come together into a slightly sticky but manageable dough. Wrap the dough tightly in cling wrap and refrigerate it overnight. This chilling step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up for easier rolling.

2. Make the Glaze

The next day, prepare the glaze by beating the egg white while gradually adding the powdered sugar. Continue whisking until the glaze is smooth and glossy. This glaze will give your cookies a beautiful, shiny finish once baked.

3. Roll the Dough

Sprinkle some powdered sugar on your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking. Take one-quarter of the chilled dough at a time and roll it out to about ¼-inch thickness. Work in smaller portions to keep the dough manageable and prevent it from becoming too soft.

4. Cut and Frost the Cookies

You have two methods to choose from when shaping and glazing the cookies:

• Method 1: Use a star-shaped cookie cutter (floured or wet to prevent sticking) to cut out stars from the dough. Place the stars on parchment-lined baking sheets. Spread or brush the glaze evenly over the stars, then refrigerate the cookies for 1-2 hours before baking. This helps the glaze set and prevents it from melting too quickly during baking.
• Method 2: Spread a thick layer of icing over the entire sheet of rolled dough before cutting out the stars. Once the dough is coated with glaze, freeze it for 2 hours to firm up the icing, then cut out the stars and place them on the prepared baking sheets.

5. Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Bake the cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets for 12-15 minutes. The cookies should be set but not browned—this low temperature helps keep the cookies soft and chewy while maintaining the beautiful white glaze. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips for Success

• Almond Meal vs. Almond Flour: Almond meal is recommended for this recipe because it provides a coarser texture. Almond flour can be too fine, resulting in a different texture.
• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the overnight chilling step! It helps the dough firm up and makes it much easier to work with when rolling and cutting.
• Freezing Option: If you choose Method 2, freezing the dough before cutting out the stars will ensure the glaze stays intact during baking and makes the stars easier to handle.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Chilling Time: 12 hours
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 12 hours 45 minutes
• Servings: 30 cookies
• Calories: 100 kcal per cookie

Final Thoughts

These Glazed Cinnamon Nut Cookies – Zimtsterne are a beautiful and traditional holiday cookie that will quickly become a favorite. With their spiced almond base and glossy white glaze, they’re perfect for holiday cookie swaps, gifts, or simply to enjoy with a warm cup of tea. While they do require some planning due to the overnight chilling, the result is more than worth the effort.

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