German Star Cookies, also known as Zimtsterne Cinnamon Cookies are a wonderful cookie for Christmas. They're crisp, chewy and spiced with all things nice! Naturally Gluten - Free too!

German Star Cookies, also known as Zimtsterne Cinnamon Cookies are a wonderful cookie for Christmas. They're crisp, chewy and spiced with all things nice!
They're an easy cookie to make, however, they do take a little time because you need to chill the dough for 30 minutes and make the icing, however, the icing is worth all the extra effort and time! It really is quite lovely!

These cookies do not use flour, but ground almonds. This gives them the chewy texture, and of course is also perfect for those who are looking for naturally gluten-free cookies! So without further ado, let's look at the recipe and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!
This site contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, check Privacy Policy.
Prep Time
40 Minutes (Includes chill time)
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Serves
Approx 30
Ingredients
2 large egg whites
1 tsp lemon juice, plus zest 1 lemon
1 ⅔ Cups or 200 g Powdered Sugar, plus extra for dusting
2 ⅔ Cups or 250 g ground almonds
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
Instructions
1. Place the egg whites in a large bowl whisk until foamy. Add the lemon juice and continue to whisk until soft peaks.
2. Slowly add the powdered sugar, whilst still whisking until the meringue is stiff.

3. In a bowl, scoop out about ¼ of the mixture and set aside. (This is for the icing top)
4. Add the almonds, cinnamon, ginger and lemon zest to the meringue mixture in the machine and mix until a stiff dough forms. The dough will be a little sticky so remove from the mixer and wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 300 F or 150 C and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. When chill time is up, take the dough from the fridge and place a piece of parchment on the work top. Dust lightly with powdered sugar (DO NOT USE FLOUR!) and again, dust the top of the dough with sugar. Then place another sheet of parchment on top of the dough and roll out to about ¼ inch thick.
7. Use your star-shaped cookie cutter (approx 5 cm or 2 inch size) and cut out as many cookies as you can. Then transfer them to the baking sheet.
8. Take the meringue mixture previously set aside and spread this over the tops of each cookie. If it has stiffened too much for spreading, add a drop of milk. The consistency should be like thick yogurt.
9. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the meringue (the tops) are set but still white in colour.
10. Remove carefully from the cookie sheet, (they will be a little soft). Allow to cool on a rack before storing in an air tight container. These will keep nicely for up to 2 weeks.

TIPS:
If you find the cookie dough is too sticky, add some extra ground almonds, or pop back in the fridge for a little longer. Don't use flour for Zimtsterne cookies! Always almonds!
Keep your cookie cutters wet, use a bowl with some water in, wet and clean the cookie cutter so it is easier to cut the stars.

We'd love to hear from you and what you thought of our German Star Cookies recipe. Did you make any changes or add some other goodies? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks for reading and happy cooking!
Recipe Card

German Star Cookies, also known as Zimtsterne Cinnamon Cookies are a wonderful cookie for Christmas. They're crisp, chewy, and spiced with all things nice! Naturally Gluten - Free too!
Ingredients
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 tsp lemon juice, plus zest 1 lemon
- 1 ⅔ Cups or 200 g Powdered Sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 2 ⅔ Cups or 250 g ground almonds
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
Instructions
- Place the egg whites in a large bowl whisk until foamy. Add the lemon juice and continue to whisk until soft peaks.
- Slowly add the powdered sugar, whilst still whisking until the meringue is stiff.
- In a bowl, scoop out about ¼ of the mixture and set aside. (This is for the icing top)
- Add the almonds, cinnamon, ginger and lemon zest to the meringue mixture in the machine and mix until a stiff dough forms. The dough will be a little sticky so remove from the mixer and wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 300 F or 150C and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- When chill time is up, take the dough from the fridge and place a piece of parchment on the work top. Dust lightly with powdered sugar (DO NOT USE FLOUR!) and again, dust the top of the dough with sugar. Then place another sheet of parchment on top of the dough and roll out to about ¼ inch thick.
- Use your star shaped cookie cutter (approx 5 cm or 2 inch size) and cut out as many cookies as you can. Then transfer them to the baking sheet.
- Take the meringue mixture previously set aside and spread this over the tops of each cookie. If it has stiffened too much for spreading, add a drop of milk. The consistency should be like thick yogurt.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the meringue (the tops) are set but still white in colour.
- Remove carefully from the cookie sheet, (they will be a little soft). Allow to cool on a rack before storing in an air tight container. These will keep nicely for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
!TIPS: !If you find the cookie dough is too sticky, add some extra ground almonds, or pop back in the fridge for a little longer. Don't use flour for Zimtsterne cookies! Always almonds! !Keep your cookie cutters wet, use a bowl with some water in, wet and clean the cookie cutter so it is easier to cut the stars.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 30 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 78Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 45mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 1gSugar: 7gProtein: 2g
Nutrition information isn’t always accurate
Here's a selection of our very best cookie recipes and so popular around the holiday season.
Cranberry and White Chocolate Cookies. A lovely easy recipe and great for gift packages at Christmas!
Walnut Butter Cookies.
These walnut butter cookies are similar to French Sable cookies, crumbly, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth little cookies. Delicious served beside your morning tea or coffee.
Famous New Orleans Pecan Pralines. A great Southern, New Orleans institution! Delicious buttery brown sugar candy type cookie in one, made of pecans, butter, sugar, and milk. Great for Christmas time too!
Easy oatmeal cookies taste amazing! Soft and Chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside, this basic oatmeal cookie recipe is great on it’s own or you can add chocolate, nuts or dried fruit. A simple classic cookie recipe
Grandma's War Time Orange Drop Cookies are an old family favorite dating back to the second world war when rationing was in force. Grandma always came up with a great cookie for everyone to enjoy!
Lemon and poppyseed thins are a very thin, crisp, buttery cookie, easy to make with a crunchy, caramelized texture. Delicious with a coffee or tea.
Amaretti Style Cranberry and Orange Almond Cookies. These amaretti-style cookies use minimal flour and have a light airy finish, fit to accompany desserts and drinks light as a feather and fat-free too!
Joy Cookies. This is an easy recipe packed full of delicious chocolate, coconut and vanilla. These go fast so be sure to bake plenty!
Delicious Pumpkin Cookies! Easy to make and they go fast so make sure you have plenty!
Gingerman or even Gingerlady Cookies! Very cute and fun to make, have fun decorating these!
Banana Drop Cookies. These are a light fluffy cookie and great for using up those overripe bananas! Easy recipe too!
Banana Bread Cookies. Yep... banana bread in a cookie! Easy and flexible recipe. Great for snacks, breakfast, lunch boxes or anytime!
Pecan Raisin Cookies. Delicious easy cookies perfect with a glass of milk or cup of tea! Also great for gifts!
Pride of Iowa Cookies. Come and see what makes these cookies so special. Delicious coconut, black walnuts and oats make these cookies a perfect snack
Rum, Orange and Raisin Cookies - A delicious flavor combo, crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside!
Amazing Ginger Cookies. These amazing ginger cookies are a classic cookie, crisp and baked to give you a perfect cookie full of flavor. Perfect for Christmas or any time of the year
Vanilla Butter Ring Cookies. These little cookies have a wonderful vanilla flavor and melt in your mouth. Easy to make!
Chewy White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies.
Soft and Chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside, these are the BEST EVER oatmeal cookies, loaded with white chocolate. A simple classic cookie recipe
Lemon Melting Moments Cookies - A wonderful gentle lemon flavor with a melting sensation!
Macadamia and White Chocolate Cookies. Perfect with a cup of tea or glass of milk! A very easy cookie recipe.
Chocolate Pecan Cookies are filled with pecans and chocolate, crispy on the outside and chewy inside, easy cookie recipe and perfect with a glass of milk or cup of tea! Also great for gifts!
Pecan and Raisin Oatmeal Cookies.
Soft and Chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside, these are the BEST EVER oatmeal cookies, loaded with pecan nuts and raisins. A simple classic cookie recipe
French Palmier Cookies or Elephant Ears are a delicious little cookie filled with almonds and perfect for the holidays! Quick and easy to make too!
Grandma's War Time Peanut Drop Cookies is an amazing vintage cookie recipe and still extremely popular today! Great for parties and holidays or just simply with a nice cool glass of milk or cup of coffee!
Melting Moment Macadamia Butter Cookies . These little cookies have a wonderful vanilla flavor and melt in your mouth. Easy to make!
Fluffy Amaretti Style Lemon Almond Cookies. These amaretti-style cookies are as light as a feather and fat-free too!
Easy Molasses Cookies, flavored with Christmas spices, make for a delicious cookie, ideal for Fall and the holidays. Crunchy outside and chewy inside. Great with a glass of milk!
These Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies are packed full of flavor and incredibly easy to make. Loaded with goodies such as butterscotch and cinnamon, they're always popular and great with a nice cold glass of milk.
Quick Mix Spritz Cookies. These little cookies have a wonderful vanilla flavor and melt in your mouth. Easy to make! Get creative and make different shapes ready for Christmas!
Grandma's Crunchy Chocolate Chip and Walnut Cookies recipe is easy to make, and great for gifts. Loaded with chocolate and nuts, and perfect for the holidays
Amy Holden
says:Hello! I like your German Star cookie recipe; made it a few times. The icing on top is not neat & flat.. you can see swipes or whatnot. Any suggestions to get it beautifully even like in your pictures? Maybe thin it out a bit?
mya
says:is grounded almonds the same as almond flour?
Lovefoodies
says:Hi Mya, no, ground almonds are purely almonds ground to a courser texture than flour and has nothing added. You can fond them in the same section as the dried fruits, chopped nuts etc, usually in the baking section.
Mya
says:Thanks a bunch for getting back to me.