Sweet & Nutty Zimtsterne: Glazed Cinnamon Nut Cookies Recipe

Delicate and dusted with powdered sugar, these zimtsterne or glazed cinnamon nut cookies dance between traditional German holiday magic and sweet winter nostalgia.

Festive baking rarely gets more enchanting than these star-shaped delights that melt in your mouth.

The nutty aroma of almonds blends seamlessly with warm cinnamon spice, creating a sensory experience that transports you straight to a cozy German Christmas kitchen.

Each carefully crafted cookie tells a story of generations-old baking traditions.

Crisp edges give way to soft, chewy centers that promise pure comfort in every bite.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike treasure this classic recipe for its elegant simplicity and irresistible flavor profile.

Grab your mixing bowl and let these zimtsterne become the star of your holiday dessert spread.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 142 kcal

Servings: 22

Ingredients Behind Zimtsterne Cinnamon Nut Cookies

• Ground Almonds: Provides rich, nutty foundation with delicate texture and authentic flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Delivers smooth sweetness and helps create delicate cookie structure.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity and balances sweet elements.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice characteristic of traditional German holiday cookies.

• Egg Whites: Creates light, airy texture and helps bind ingredients together.
• Almond Liqueur: Intensifies nutty flavor profile and adds sophisticated depth.
• Almond Extract: Excellent alternative providing concentrated almond essence.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy coating with delicate sweetness.
• Egg White: Provides structural base for shiny, elegant cookie finish.

• Choose fresh, finely ground almonds for best texture.
• Use room temperature egg whites for optimal volume.
• Select high-quality cinnamon for rich, authentic flavor.
• Ensure powdered sugar is free from lumps for smooth glaze.

Baking Tools for Zimtsterne Cookies

• Mixing bowls: Large and medium sizes for blending dry ingredients and whisking egg whites.
• Stand mixer or whisk: For beating egg whites to foamy consistency.
• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out dough evenly to ¼-inch thickness.
• Star-shaped cookie cutter: Specific for creating traditional zimtsterne shape.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Baking sheets: Flat surfaces for baking cookies evenly.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool completely without getting soggy.
• Spatula or pastry brush: For spreading glaze smoothly over cookie surface.
• Plastic wrap: To cover and refrigerate dough overnight.

Making Glazed Cinnamon Nut Cookies Step by Step

• Holiday Heritage

A traditional German Christmas treat that brings warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen. These delicate star-shaped cookies connect generations through their simple yet elegant recipe.

• Dough Preparation

Blend ground almonds, powdered sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a spacious mixing bowl. Separately whisk egg whites until they become light and airy, creating a smooth foundation for your cookie base.

• Flavor Fusion

Incorporate egg white mixture into dry ingredients, gently kneading until a cohesive dough forms. Wrap carefully and let rest overnight, allowing flavors to meld and develop deep, rich undertones.

• Sugar Coating

Dust your workspace with powdered sugar. Work with small portions of dough, rolling to a consistent quarter-inch thickness. This ensures even baking and delicate texture.

• Star Shaping

Use a classic star-shaped cookie cutter, moistened or floured, to create intricate cookie shapes. Arrange carefully on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving small spaces between each delicate star.

• Glazing Technique

Whip egg whites with powdered sugar until silky smooth. Brush or spread glaze gently across cookie surfaces, creating a glistening, elegant finish that will harden during baking.

• Gentle Baking

Warm your oven to a low 275°F. Bake cookies for 12-15 minutes, watching carefully to prevent browning. The goal is a set, tender cookie that maintains its delicate structure.

• Cooling Ritual

Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets briefly, then transfer to wire racks. This final step ensures they cool evenly and maintain their perfect star-shaped form.

Spices and Texture Tips for Zimtsterne Success

• Swap ground almonds with hazelnuts or pecans for a unique nutty twist that adds depth to the classic recipe.
• Whip egg whites to stiff peaks for a shinier, more stable icing that creates a professional-looking finish on your Zimtsterne cookies.
• Prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to develop and saving time during holiday baking sessions.
• Replace egg whites with aquafaba (chickpea liquid) for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the delicate texture and classic star shape.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 2 weeks, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify with time.

Serving Glazed Cinnamon Nut Cookies with Style

• Pair with Sweet Warmth: Serve these delicate cinnamon stars alongside a steaming mug of hot mulled wine or spiced chai tea for a cozy winter treat.
• Create Festive Displays: Arrange the cookies on a decorative holiday platter, dusting with extra powdered sugar to enhance their elegant star shape and create a stunning dessert centerpiece.
• Gift with Personal Touch: Package the Zimtsterne in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine or festive ribbons, making them a charming homemade gift for friends and family during the holiday season.
• Elevate Dessert Presentation: Garnish a simple vanilla ice cream or light custard with crumbled pieces of these nutty cinnamon cookies for added texture and festive flavor.

Storing Zimtsterne for Freshness

• Optimize Cookie Storage: Keep these delicate Zimtsterne in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
• Extend Freshness: These cookies stay crisp and delightful for up to 7-10 days when stored properly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap individual cookies or entire batches in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 3 months for a sweet surprise later, thawing at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Prevent Moisture Damage: Always ensure cookies are completely cool before storing to avoid condensation, which can make the delicate glaze soggy and compromise their perfect crunch.

Crispy Cinnamon Nut Cookies Zimtsterne Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 22 1x

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Description

Zimtsterne, a classic German holiday cinnamon nut cookie, delights with its delicate texture and warm spice. Nutty, sweet, and elegantly dusted with powdered sugar, these star-shaped treats offer winter comfort to dessert enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4.5 cups (1.1 kg) ground almonds
• 2.5 cups (300 g) powdered sugar
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 3 teaspoons (15 ml) cinnamon
• 3 egg whites (1 used in cookie, 1 for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) almond liqueur
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) pure almond extract (optional substitute)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) water or milk (optional substitute)
• 1 pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Mixing Base: Combine ground almonds, powdered sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl, ensuring a uniform, fragrant blend of dry ingredients.
2. Egg White Preparation: Whip egg whites until they form soft, delicate peaks, creating a light and airy foundation for the cookie dough.
3. Liquid Integration: Gently fold almond liqueur or almond extract with water into the whipped egg whites, producing a smooth, aromatic liquid.
4. Dough Formation: Incorporate the egg white mixture into dry ingredients, kneading meticulously until a cohesive, pliable dough develops. Wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate overnight to intensify flavors.
5. Glaze Creation: Vigorously beat an egg white while gradually adding powdered sugar, whisking until the mixture achieves a silky, glossy consistency for coating.
6. Dough Preparation: Dust work surface with powdered sugar, roll out a quarter of chilled dough to a precise 1/4-inch thickness. Choose between two decorating techniques: either use a star-shaped cookie cutter dipped in flour to cut shapes, or spread a uniform glaze layer and freeze before cutting intricate stars.
7. Baking Process: Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Arrange star-shaped cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets, ensuring even spacing. Bake for 12-15 minutes, monitoring carefully to prevent browning.
8. Cooling and Finishing: Remove cookies from oven and let cool on baking sheets for 5-10 minutes. Transfer to wire cooling racks, allowing them to reach room temperature and develop a crisp, delicate texture.

Notes

• Chill Dough Properly: Overnight refrigeration is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors and allowing the almond and cinnamon notes to fully integrate.
• Precise Egg White Technique: Whip egg whites to soft peaks carefully, ensuring they’re light and airy without becoming too stiff or dry.
• Low and Slow Baking: Maintain a low oven temperature to prevent browning, preserving the cookies’ delicate texture and pristine white appearance.
• Glaze Application Strategy: Apply glaze evenly and carefully to achieve a smooth, glossy finish that enhances both the appearance and taste of the Zimtsterne cookies.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 22
• Calories: 142
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg