Schoko Mandel Sterne Chocolate Almond Stars

German Christmas baking is a delightfully festive tradition that fills the house with the warm scents of cinnamon, almonds, and chocolate. This recipe for Schoko Mandel Sterne, or Chocolate Almond Stars, is a classic treat that brings the magic of the holiday season to your kitchen. These delicate cookies are not only delicious but also beautiful, making them the perfect addition to your holiday entertaining or as a thoughtful gift for loved ones. Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible cookies!

**Schoko Mandel Sterne Chocolate Almond Stars**

**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup of ground almonds
– 1 cup of powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1 egg white
– 1 teaspoon of almond extract
– 1 cup of dark chocolate, melted

**Instructions:**

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

2. In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy. Add the almond extract to the frothy egg white and mix gently to combine.

3. Gradually add the egg white mixture to the dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Use a spatula to fold the mixture together until a smooth dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, you can add a little more egg white to help bind it together.

4. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are set but still slightly soft to the touch. Be careful not to overbake them, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.

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. Once the cookies have cooled, dip each one halfway into the melted dark chocolate and place them back on the wire rack to allow the chocolate to set.

9. Once the chocolate has hardened, your Schoko Mandel Sterne, or Chocolate Almond Stars, are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

These Chocolate Almond Stars are not only a delicious holiday treat but also a beautiful addition to your Christmas cookie platter. The combination of crunchy almonds, rich chocolate, and warm spices makes them a perfect indulgence for the festive season. Whether you’re baking them for your own enjoyment or to share with loved ones, these cookies are sure to spread joy and cheer. Enjoy the magic of German Christmas baking with this delightful recipe!