Recipe: Zimtsterne (Cinnamon Stars) π
Description: These Zimtsterne, or Cinnamon Stars, are a beloved Christmas tradition in Switzerland, but they’re delightful any time of year! I discovered this recipe during an exchange year in Switzerland, where the aroma of cinnamon filled the air during the holiday season. These cookies embody the warmth and coziness of Swiss hospitality, perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in a moment of sweet solitude.
Recipe Category: Dessert πͺ
Keywords: Cookie & Brownie, Swiss, European, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Kid Friendly, Christmas, < 60 Mins, For Large Groups, Easy
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3 | Egg whites |
| 1 | cup powdered sugar |
| 250 g | Almond meal |
| 1 1/2 tsp | Cinnamon |
| 1/2 tsp | Lemon juice |
| 350 g | Powdered sugar (for frosting) |
| Pinch | Salt |
Nutritional Information (per serving of 1 cookie):
- Calories: 260.8
- Fat Content: 8.9g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 16.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 43.8g
- Fiber Content: 2.3g
- Sugar Content: 40.1g
- Protein Content: 4.3g
Yield: Makes approximately 50 cookies
Instructions:
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Beat Egg Whites: In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial for achieving the light and airy texture of the cookies.
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Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the beaten egg whites, gently folding it in until well combined. The powdered sugar adds sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together.
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Set Aside Frosting Mixture: Reserve about 1 dl (approximately 1/2 cup) of the egg white mixture to use as frosting later. This sweet frosting will add a delightful finishing touch to your Zimtsterne.
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Add Remaining Ingredients: To the remaining egg white mixture, add the almond meal, cinnamon, and lemon juice. These ingredients infuse the cookies with rich, aromatic flavors and a hint of citrus freshness.
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Prepare the Dough: Roll out the dough on a flat surface, preferably inside a ziplock bag with the sides cut open. This clever trick prevents the dough from sticking and makes it easier to handle. Cut out the dough into star shapes, or unleash your creativity with other festive designs.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 450Β°F (230Β°C). Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 3-5 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-browning.
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Frosting: While the cookies are still warm from the oven, dip one side into the reserved frosting mixture. This adds a glossy finish and an extra layer of sweetness to each cookie.
These Zimtsterne are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but they also store well in an airtight container for several days. Share them with friends and family, or savor them with a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat. No matter the occasion, these Cinnamon Stars will always bring a touch of Swiss charm to your table. Guten Appetit! π¨πβ¨
