When it comes to the most magical time of the year, nothing quite captures the spirit of the season like the delightful aromas of freshly baked holiday treats wafting through the kitchen. In Austria, Christmas is celebrated with an array of traditional sweets and pastries, each one more indulgent than the last. One such beloved delicacy is the “Schneesterne” or Snow Stars cookies. These delicate almond meringue cookies are aptly named for their snowy appearance and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire, these Schneesterne Snow Stars will surely become a cherished addition to your holiday baking repertoire.
Schneesterne Snow Stars
Ingredients:
– 3 large egg whites
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1¼ cups ground almonds
– ½ teaspoon almond extract
– Pinch of salt
– Additional confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a clean, dry mixing bowl, whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy using an electric mixer. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar while continuing to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold in the ground almonds and almond extract until fully incorporated. Be careful not to deflate the meringue mixture.
4. Using a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, pipe small star shapes onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
5. Bake the Schneesterne Snow Stars in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still pale in color. They should be slightly crisp on the outside but soft and chewy inside.
6. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Once the Schneesterne Snow Stars are completely cooled, dust them with a light sprinkling of confectioners’ sugar to resemble a dusting of snow.
8. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully, so you can make them ahead of time and thaw as needed.
These Schneesterne Snow Stars are a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter, with their delicate texture and sweet almond flavor. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring them on a quiet evening at home, these Austrian Christmas cookies are sure to bring a touch of winter wonder to your festive celebrations. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of these charming Snow Stars that will enchant all who taste them. Happy baking, and may your holidays be merry and bright!