A German Christmas Treat Cinnamon Stars (Zimtsterne) Recipe

Description

Cinnamon stars, or Zimtsterne, are a classic German Christmas cookie made with cinnamon and ground almonds. They are tasty, festive, and perfect for the holiday season. Here is an extended version of the recipe that includes instructions for making the dough, cutting out the stars, and baking them to perfection.

Origin and History of Cinnamon Stars (Zimtsterne)

Cinnamon stars, or Zimtsterne, have a long and rich history in German culture. The origin of this Christmas cookie can be traced back to medieval times, when they were made using leftover breadcrumbs, sugar, and cinnamon.

During the Middle Ages, cinnamon was considered a luxury spice, as it was imported from distant lands and was very expensive. Its rich aroma and flavor made it a popular ingredient for festive desserts, particularly during the Christmas season.

As time went on, the recipe for cinnamon stars evolved to include ground almonds, giving them a softer texture and a nutty flavor. They became particularly popular in Germany and Switzerland, where they are still enjoyed as a traditional Christmas treat.

Today, cinnamon stars are made with a mixture of ground almonds, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and egg whites. The dough is rolled out and cut into star shapes, then baked until they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Cinnamon stars are a beloved Christmas tradition in Germany, and are often shared with family and friends during the holiday season. They are known not only for their delicious flavor, but also for their festive shape and delicate icing, which is often piped onto the stars after they have cooled.

Overall, cinnamon stars have a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. They are a beloved part of German Christmas culture and will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

How to Make Cinnamon Strars (Zimtsterne)

Ingredients:

- 3 cups ground almonds

- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting

- 3 tsp ground cinnamon

- 3 large egg whites

- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground almonds, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well.

2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until foamy. Add cream of tartar and continue to beat until egg whites form stiff peaks.

3. Gently fold the egg whites into the almond mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until just combined.

4. Form the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour or up to overnight.

5. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and dust a flat surface with powdered sugar. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.

7. Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many stars as you can from the dough. Re-roll the remaining dough and continue to cut out stars until all the dough is used.

8. Place the stars on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.

9. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet.

10. Once the cinnamon stars are cool, sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

Variations of Cinnamon Stars

Cinnamon stars, or Zimtsterne, are a classic Christmas treat in Germany. While the traditional recipe includes ground almonds, cinnamon, and powdered sugar, there are many variations of this recipe that can be found throughout Germany and beyond. Here are some variations:

1. Chocolate Cinnamon Stars - These stars are made with the traditional ingredients, plus an addition of cocoa powder to give them a rich, chocolatey flavor.

2. Lemon Cinnamon Stars - This variation adds lemon zest to the dough, giving them a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs well with the cinnamon.

3. Hazelnut Cinnamon Stars - Instead of almonds, these stars are made with ground hazelnuts, which gives them a slightly different flavor and texture.

4. Gluten-Free Cinnamon Stars - This version uses gluten-free flour instead of the traditional wheat flour, making them suitable for those with gluten allergies or intolerances.

5. Vegan Cinnamon Stars - This variation uses aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) instead of egg whites, which makes them vegan-friendly.

6. Marzipan Cinnamon Stars - In this recipe, marzipan is added to the dough mixture for an extra nutty flavor and texture.

7. Orange Cinnamon Stars - This variation uses orange zest to give the stars a bright, fruity flavor that pairs well with the warm cinnamon spice.

Overall, cinnamon stars are a versatile Christmas treat that can be customized to suit individual tastes and dietary needs. Whether made with almonds, hazelnuts, or marzipan, these cookies are sure to be a hit during the holiday season.

Healthy Benefits of Cinnamon Stars

While cinnamon stars are certainly a treat, they do contain some healthy ingredients that provide a range of benefits. Here are some of the healthy benefits of cinnamon stars:

1. Almonds - Cinnamon stars traditionally contain ground almonds, which are a great source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Almonds are also rich in antioxidants and several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium.

2. Cinnamon - Cinnamon is a spice that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may also help regulate blood sugar levels, improve heart health, and boost brain function.

3. Egg Whites - Traditional cinnamon stars are made with egg whites, which are a great source of protein and other essential nutrients, including vitamin B2.

4. Powdered Sugar - While powdered sugar is not exactly a healthy ingredient, it is used in small amounts in cinnamon stars. Plus, the use of powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar can help reduce the glycemic index of the dessert.

5. Gluten-Free Flour - For those who are gluten-free or have celiac disease, using gluten-free flour in cinnamon stars can provide benefits such as reduced digestive discomfort and improved nutrient absorption.

6. Low-fat - Cinnamon stars are a relatively low-fat treat, especially when compared to other holiday desserts like fudge or fruitcake.

While cinnamon stars shouldn't be considered a health food, they do contain some healthy ingredients, and can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Fun Facts about Cinnamon Stars

1. Cinnamon stars, also known as Zimtsterne in German, are a popular Christmas cookie in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other European countries.

2. The origin of cinnamon stars is unclear, but they are believed to have been introduced as a Christmas cookie in the 18th century.

3. In Germany, cinnamon stars are traditionally made on December 6th, which is known as Nikolaustag, or St. Nicholas Day.

4. The shape of cinnamon stars is symbolic of the Christmas star that guided the wise men to Bethlehem.

5. Cinnamon, the main ingredient in cinnamon stars, is a spice that comes from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree.

6. Cinnamon is a highly prized spice that was once considered more valuable than gold.

7. Cinnamon is also known for its scent, which is said to improve brain function and boost memory.

8. Cinnamon stars are typically made with ground almonds, which give them a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture.

9. Cinnamon stars can be made with or without gluten, making them a great option for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

10. Cinnamon stars are delicious served with hot cocoa, a cup of tea, or a glass of mulled wine. They also make a great gift for friends and family during the holiday season.

Enjoy these delicious cinnamon stars with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of spiced cider. They're a festive treat that's perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season.