Zimtsterne Recipe - German Cinnamon Star Cookies [Gluten-Free] 🍪 (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Helene Dsouza

Zimtsterne Recipe - German Cinnamon Star Cookies [Gluten-Free] 🍪 (1)Helene Dsouza

Zimtsterne are cinnamon almond cookies cut out into different sized star shapes.

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

50 cookies

4.7 from 7 votes

RECIPE

Zimtsterne Recipe - German Cinnamon Star Cookies [Gluten-Free] 🍪 (2)

Zimtsterne are another variety of popular Christmas cookies in the German-speaking regions, prepared Gluten-free with cinnamon as a main ingredient and cut out into stars.

Learn how to make this Zimtsterne Recipe from scratch with the step-by-step recipe instructions further below:

Zimtsterne Recipe - German Cinnamon Star Cookies [Gluten-Free] 🍪 (3)

Zimtsterne Recipe - German Cinnamon Star Cookies [Gluten-Free] 🍪 (4)

Global Food Recipes

with Spices and Herbs

Free E-Book available for a limited time. Grab yours now and get instantly inspired!

Jump to:
  • 👁️ More Christmas Cookies
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

Cinnamon is a favorite spice during the colder winter days in this world.

This warm spice helps us in getting into Christmas mood, as it is transporting most of us into a relaxed peaceful state of mind.

In the northern hemisphere, you will find cinnamon in sweet desserts and baked good.

In India and some countries of the middle east and central Asia, Cinnamon is used in savory dishes as well.

A favorite way, nonetheless, is to bake cinnamon star cookies, or Zimtsterne as we know them in the German-speaking countries.

These cookies are baked during the Advent time in Austria, Germany and Switzerland and are part of the annual cookie swap between family, friends and neighbors.

Zimtsterne Recipe - German Cinnamon Star Cookies [Gluten-Free] 🍪 (5)

Zimtsterne is a few of the traditional Christmas cookies that are completely without flour and can be counted as gluten-free.

Cinnamon stars are an essential cookie in Europe, in fact, many will count them as their favorites because of the nutty and cinnamon rich flavor.

Zimtsterne Recipe - German Cinnamon Star Cookies [Gluten-Free] 🍪 (6)

A while back I received a bottle of cherry schnapps as a gift form my friend in Germany.

The most common use for Cherry schnapps is as a flavor enhancer in the well known Bavarian Black Forest Cake but I had another brilliant idea for it.

I think, cinnamon and cherry schnapps complement each other perfectly, so I dropped some of the cherry schnapps alcohol into the Gluten-free Cinnamon Star cookies.

This has been for sure one of the best flavor combinations that I have come up with, in fact, I can't imagine baking gluten-free Zimtsterne cookies again without the cherry schnapps.

Of course, cherry Schnapps is difficult to get commodity in this world so count this ingredient as a little secret bonus in this Zimtsterne recipe.

If you get Cherry Schnapps, then, by all means, add some to the cookies, you will be positively surprised by flavors.

To cut out the cookies you can use different sized and shaped stars.

Zimtsterne Recipe - German Cinnamon Star Cookies [Gluten-Free] 🍪 (7)

👁️ More Christmas Cookies

  • Vanillekipferl
  • Linzeraugen cookies
  • Checkerboard Cookies
  • Chocolate Butter Cookies

Dear Reader, are you planning to bake a batch of Zimtsterne this festive season?

Zimtsterne Recipe - German Cinnamon Star Cookies [Gluten-Free] 🍪 (9)

Global Food Recipes

with Spices and Herbs

Free E-Book available for a limited time. Grab yours now and get instantly inspired!

00

Days

:

00

Hours

:

19

Minutes

:

59

Seconds

You missed out!

📖 Recipe

Zimtsterne Recipe - German Cinnamon Star Cookies [Gluten-Free] 🍪 (10)

Zimtsterne Cookies Recipe

Zimtsterne are cinnamon almond cookies cut out into different sized star shapes.

4.72 from 7 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Austrian, German

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 50 cookies

Calories: 70kcal

Recipe by: Helene Dsouza

Ingredients

For the Cookie dough

  • 1⅔ Cups Powdered Sugar
  • 2 Egg Whites
  • 3 Cups Almond flour
  • 1 ½ Teaspoon Cinnamon Ground
  • 2 Tablespoons Water or try to get Schnapps such as cherry schnapps
  • Pinch Salt

for the Egg glaze

  • 1 Egg White
  • 1⅔ Cup Powdered Sugar
  • 3 Drops Water optional and only if the glaze is too thick

US - Metric

Instructions

  • Separate the egg whites from the yolk. Keep the egg yolks for another dish. Beat the Egg whites to a stiff consistency. Then continue to beat the eggs and add a batch at a time of powdered sugar until all the powdered sugar is added to the egg whites.

    Zimtsterne Recipe - German Cinnamon Star Cookies [Gluten-Free] 🍪 (11)

  • The consistency should be a bit thicker at this point.

    Zimtsterne Recipe - German Cinnamon Star Cookies [Gluten-Free] 🍪 (12)

  • Now add the almond flour, cinnamon powder (cherry schnapps optional) and pinch of salt and mix the whole content with a spoon.

    Zimtsterne Recipe - German Cinnamon Star Cookies [Gluten-Free] 🍪 (13)

  • You will notice that the dough will get tough and sticky. Form the dough into a ball

    Zimtsterne Recipe - German Cinnamon Star Cookies [Gluten-Free] 🍪 (14)

  • Spread a clean wrap on the working surface and wrap your dough into it. Let cool in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

    Zimtsterne Recipe - German Cinnamon Star Cookies [Gluten-Free] 🍪 (15)

  • Before you take and roll out the dough, preheat the oven to 300° Fahrenheit/ 150° Celsius!

  • First we will prepare the egg glaze by beating the egg white with the powdered sugar. Add a few drops of water if it is too thick. The glaze should be shiny smooth, like a white paint consistency.

  • To roll out the dough place a baking sheet (butter paper) at the bottom and add some almond flour so that when you roll out the dough it won't stick too much. Roll the dough out to a ½ centimeter/0.3 inch thickness and cut out your stars with the cookie cutter.

    Zimtsterne Recipe - German Cinnamon Star Cookies [Gluten-Free] 🍪 (16)

  • Place your stars on the baking sheet and with a fine brush spread the white sugar glaze equally.

    Zimtsterne Recipe - German Cinnamon Star Cookies [Gluten-Free] 🍪 (17)

  • Bake at 150 Celsius/302 Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, the cookies should be baked but not raw on the inside. Once baked, leave them out to cool before storing them in an airtight container or metal box.

Notes

  1. The cookies are covered with a sugar glaze before they get baked.
  2. Cinnamon stars tend to be always a bit soft and moist even in a dry environment. Although in a dry environment store the cookies in a tin box with butter paper and apple peel to keep the moisture locked in the cookies. In a humid climate consider of keeping the cookies in an airtight container and keep away from moisture for too long.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Zimtsterne Cookies Recipe

Amount Per Serving (804 g)

Calories 70Calories from Fat 27

% Daily Value*

Fat 3g5%

Saturated Fat 1g5%

Sodium 3mg0%

Potassium 3mg0%

Carbohydrates 9g3%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 8g9%

Protein 2g4%

Calcium 15mg2%

Iron 0.3mg2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Zimtsterne Recipe - German Cinnamon Star Cookies [Gluten-Free] 🍪 (2024)

FAQs

What is zimtsterne in English? ›

'cinnamon star'; pl.: Zimtsterne) is a Christmas cookie, originally from Swabia in Southwest Germany, made from foam of whipped egg white, sugar, at least 25% almonds, cinnamon and a maximum of 10% flour. It is most popular in Germany, Switzerland, and Alsace.

What is the history of Zimtsterne cookies? ›

What is the origin of Zimtsterne? While the origin is unclear, it is first mentioned in the mid 16th century being attributed to Swabian region of Germany. Because cinnamon was very expensive only the very rich or royalty enjoyed these cookies.

What are German cookies made of? ›

This traditional German spice cookie features cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, anise, cinnamon, and, of course, pepper. "This is by far the very best Pfeffernusse recipe I've ever made," says Anna. "I suggest making the cookies by the recipe the first time.

What is the oldest cookie in the world? ›

Pizzelles are the oldest known cookie and originated in the mid-section of Italy. They were made many years ago for the “Festival of the Snakes” also known as the “Feast Day of San Domenico” in the village of Colcullo in the Italian region of Abruzzo.

Which cookie was invented until 1938? ›

The chocolate chip cookie, specifically, was reportedly invented in 1938. The Oreo sandwich cookie actually pre-dates chocolate chip cookies by 26 years and was invented in 1912. Today, cookies like Oreos, Chips Ahoy and Girl Scout cookies are among America's favorite cookies.

Who was the first cookie? ›

The first cookies are thought to be test cakes bakers used to test the oven temperature. They date back as early as 7th Century A.D. Persia which is now Iran. They were one of the first countries to grow and harvest sugar cane.

What is the most popular German cookie? ›

Lebkuchen. This traditional German cookie is one of the most popular around Christmastime because it has those classic gingerbread flavors. The soft, chewy, and lightly glazed treats are a must-have for your cookie plate. Get the Lebkuchen recipe at A Beautiful Plate.

What is the white stuff on the bottom of German cookies? ›

WHAT IS ON THE BOTTOM OF LEBKUCHEN? Oblaten Lebkuchen are distinguished by a signature edible wafer (collectively called Oblaten in German) on the bottom. The wafers are made from wheat flour, starch, and water.

What is a heart cookie in Germany? ›

These sweet cookies are a classic German treat. Be the first to review! These German "gingerbread hearts" (Lebkuchenherz) are a common sight in Bavaria during the fall and winter holidays.

What is the history of the Persian cookie? ›

Cookies have been traced back to 7th century Persia, known as "kolompeh" or "qoluche" made from nuts, honey and spices. In medieval Europe, 14th century, they were called "biscuit" made of flour, sugar, and spices. Over time, butter, eggs and other ingredients were added, leading to the modern soft and sweet cookies.

What is the origin of thumbprint cookies? ›

A thumbprint cookie is an Americanized version of a Swedish favorite, called hallongrotta, according to Plated. The Swedish name translates to raspberry cave, a reference to the type of jam traditionally used to fill the fingertip-sized depression in the treat.

What is the origin of Pfeffernusse cookies? ›

Pfeffernüsse
Pfeffernüsse, by Aldi
Alternative namesPeppernuts
TypeCookie
Place of originDenmark, Germany, Netherlands
Main ingredientscardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, black pepper, mace, anise, sugar, butter, eggs, flour
1 more row

What is the history of cookies? ›

Cookies appear to have their origins in 7th century AD Persia, shortly after the use of sugar became relatively common in the region. They spread to Europe through the Muslim conquest of Spain. By the 14th century, they were common in all levels of society throughout Europe, from royal cuisine to street vendors.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dean Jakubowski Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 5746

Rating: 5 / 5 (70 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dean Jakubowski Ret

Birthday: 1996-05-10

Address: Apt. 425 4346 Santiago Islands, Shariside, AK 38830-1874

Phone: +96313309894162

Job: Legacy Sales Designer

Hobby: Baseball, Wood carving, Candle making, Jigsaw puzzles, Lacemaking, Parkour, Drawing

Introduction: My name is Dean Jakubowski Ret, I am a enthusiastic, friendly, homely, handsome, zealous, brainy, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.