The festive season is never truly complete without the delightful scent of freshly baked cookies filling the air. German Christmas baking is especially known for its rich flavors and cozy aromas, making it a perfect way to add warmth to chilly winter days. One classic German treat that never fails to spread holiday cheer is “Zimtsterne Mit Honig,” also known as Cinnamon Stars With Honey. These sweet and spicy cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, with their distinctive star shape and shimmering glaze.
Zimtsterne Mit Honig (Cinnamon Stars With Honey)
Ingredients:
– 2 cups ground almonds
– 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
– 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 2 large egg whites
– 1 teaspoon honey
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– Additional powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, powdered sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they reach soft peaks. Add the honey and lemon juice to the egg whites, then continue whisking until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold the almond mixture into the egg white mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the cookies to remain light and airy.
4. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Dust a clean surface with powdered sugar and roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies, then carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake the cookies for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are set and just starting to brown around the edges. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-baking.
7. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Optional: For a finishing touch, you can glaze the cooled cookies with a simple powdered sugar and water mixture, or sprinkle them with a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
9. Once the glaze has set, your Zimtsterne Mit Honig are ready to be enjoyed! These cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or as a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season.
Create a batch of these Cinnamon Stars With Honey to fill your home with the scents of Christmas and delight your taste buds with their irresistible flavor. Whether enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa by a crackling fire or shared at a festive gathering, these cookies are sure to become a treasured part of your holiday traditions.
