Zimtsterne
Zimtsterne Recipe from Switzerland | Ingredients: Egg Whites, Powdered Sugar, Cinnamon, Ground Almonds
Introduction
Zimtsterne, also known as cinnamon stars, are a traditional German Christmas cookie that is popular during the holiday season. These delicious cookies are made with ground almonds, cinnamon, and a hint of lemon juice, giving them a unique and flavorful taste.
History
Zimtsterne have been a part of German Christmas traditions for centuries. The recipe is believed to have originated in the city of Nuremberg, where it was first created by a group of bakers in the 17th century. Since then, Zimtsterne have become a popular treat during the holiday season, enjoyed by people of all ages.
Ingredients
- 3 egg whites
- 1 pinch of salt
- 250 g of powdered sugar
- 1.5 tbsp of cinnamon (or a little more, if desired)
- 0.5 tbsp of lemon juice
- 350 g of ground almonds
How to prepare
- Beat the egg whites with salt until they become stiff.
- Add the powdered sugar and mix it well.
- Set aside 1 dcl of the mixture to use as frosting.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly.
- Roll out the dough in a ziploc bag that has been cut open (cut the two side seams so that the two parts are held together only at the bottom) and cut out shapes such as stars or any other desired shapes.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) and bake the cookies for 3–5 minutes.
- While the cookies are still warm, dip one side of each cookie into the frosting.
Variations
- Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top of the frosting for extra crunch.
- Substitute almond flour with hazelnut flour for a different flavor profile.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to beat the egg whites until they are stiff to ensure a light and fluffy texture for the cookies.
- Rolling out the dough in a ziploc bag makes it easier to cut out shapes and prevents sticking.
- Dip the cookies in the frosting while they are still warm to ensure that it sticks to the cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Zimtsterne are best enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee during the holiday season.
Cooking Techniques
Beating the egg whites until stiff is crucial for the texture of the cookies.
- Rolling out the dough in a ziploc bag makes it easier to handle and cut out shapes.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use almond meal instead of ground almonds.
- Lemon juice can be substituted with orange juice for a different citrus flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
Zimtsterne can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the Zimtsterne on a festive platter and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Zimtsterne pair well with a glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store Zimtsterne in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to crisp them up.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Zimtsterne contains approximately 180 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Zimtsterne contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Zimtsterne contains approximately 8 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Zimtsterne contains approximately 4 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Zimtsterne are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium.
Alergens
Zimtsterne contain almonds and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals.
Summary
Zimtsterne are a delicious holiday treat that is relatively low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats and proteins. They also provide a good amount of essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Zimtsterne are a delicious and traditional German Christmas cookie that is perfect for the holiday season. With a unique blend of flavors and a light and fluffy texture, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
How did I get this recipe?
I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Zimtsterne. It was a cold winter day, with a light dusting of snow covering the ground outside. I was visiting my dear friend Anna in her cozy kitchen, sipping on a cup of hot tea as she busily worked away at her baking.
Anna had always been a fantastic cook, and I always admired her skill in the kitchen. On this particular day, she was working on a batch of Zimtsterne, a traditional German Christmas cookie that I had never tried before. The aroma of cinnamon and almonds filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.
As I watched Anna expertly roll out the dough and cut it into star shapes, I couldn't help but ask her for the recipe. She smiled warmly and handed me a worn piece of paper with the ingredients and instructions neatly written out in her elegant script.
"Here you go, my dear," she said. "These cookies have been a family favorite for generations. I'm sure you'll love them as much as we do."
I thanked Anna profusely and tucked the recipe into my purse, eager to try my hand at making Zimtsterne myself. When I returned home later that day, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and getting to work in my own kitchen.
The recipe called for ground almonds, sugar, cinnamon, egg whites, and a touch of lemon zest. I followed Anna's instructions carefully, mixing the ingredients together until a smooth dough formed. I then rolled out the dough and used a star-shaped cookie cutter to create the signature shape of the Zimtsterne.
As the cookies baked in the oven, the scent of cinnamon and almonds once again filled my kitchen, transporting me back to Anna's cozy home. When the timer finally dinged, I eagerly pulled the cookies out of the oven and allowed them to cool before taking a bite.
The first taste of the Zimtsterne was pure bliss. The cookies were perfectly crisp on the outside, with a chewy center that melted in my mouth. The combination of cinnamon and almonds was simply divine, and I could see why Anna's family had cherished this recipe for so many years.
I packaged up a few of the cookies and brought them over to Anna as a thank you for sharing the recipe with me. She was delighted to see that I had successfully recreated her Zimtsterne and we spent the afternoon enjoying the cookies with another cup of tea.
From that day on, Zimtsterne became a staple in my holiday baking repertoire. I made them every year, sharing them with friends and family who all raved about the delicious cookies. I even passed the recipe along to my own grandchildren, hoping to keep the tradition alive for generations to come.
As I sit here now, reminiscing about that cold winter day and the first time I made Zimtsterne, I can't help but feel grateful for Anna's friendship and generosity in sharing her family recipe with me. The memory of those warm, cinnamon-scented cookies will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the joy that can be found in simple moments shared with loved ones. And I will continue to bake Zimtsterne every holiday season, honoring the tradition that was passed down to me by my dear friend.
Categories
| Almond Meal Recipes | Christmas Cookies | Cinnamon Recipes | Cookie Recipes | Egg White Recipes | Frosted Cookie Recipes | Swiss Desserts | Swiss Recipes |