The holiday season is a magical time filled with warmth, joy, and delicious treats that bring comfort to our souls. One of the most beloved traditions during Christmas in Germany is baking a variety of festive cookies. Today, we invite you to try your hand at making a classic German Christmas baking recipe – Schoko Zimtsterne, or Chocolate Cinnamon Stars. These delightful cookies are not only pleasing to the eye with their snowy white glaze but also boast a rich combination of chocolate and cinnamon that will surely enchant your taste buds.
Schoko Zimtsterne Chocolate Cinnamon Stars
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups of ground almonds
– 1 cup of powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder
– 2 large egg whites
– 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
– 6 oz of dark chocolate, chopped
– Powdered sugar (for rolling out the dough)
– Extra powdered sugar (for sprinkling)
– Cookie cutters (star-shaped)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Add the lemon juice and continue to whisk until well incorporated.
3. Gradually fold the egg white mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Dust a clean surface with powdered sugar and roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use the star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the dough, placing the stars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake the cookies for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Once the cookies have cooled, melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until smooth.
7. Dip each cinnamon star halfway into the melted chocolate, then place them back on the parchment paper to allow the chocolate to set. You can also drizzle extra chocolate on the tops for a decorative touch.
8. Finally, sprinkle the Chocolate Cinnamon Stars with a dusting of powdered sugar before serving. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, but we doubt they will last that long once you take your first delectable bite!
Indulge in the magic of the holiday season by baking a batch of these delightful Schoko Zimtsterne Chocolate Cinnamon Stars. Enjoy the cozy aromas wafting through your home as you create a treat that is sure to become a Christmas tradition in your household. Happy baking and happy holidays!
