Cinnamon Stars (Zimtsterne)
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Nutty and filled with cinnamony goodness, these Cinnamon Stars, or Zimtsterne, are a delicious, gluten-free Swiss holiday treat.
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: Swiss
Serves: 12
Ingredients
Cookies
  • ⅓ cup egg whites (about 2 egg whites)
  • 1¼ cups granulated sugar
  • 1½ cups unblanched almonds, ground
  • 1½ tbsp cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose gluten-free flour
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Glaze
  • 1 cup sifted powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp water
Instructions
Day 1: Prepare the Dough
  1. In a mixer bowl, let the egg whites come to room temperature (about an hour).
  2. Beat the egg whites on medium until soft peaks form when the beater is slowly raised. Gradually add the 1¼ cups sugar, beating well after each addition. Continue to beat until the egg whites are very thick and glossy and stiff peaks form when the beaters are slowly raised (this can take up to 10 minutes).
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the almonds with the cinnamon. Stir in the egg white mixture and combine well. Refrigerate dough, covered, overnight.
Day 2: Make the Cookies
  1. Combine the 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour with the 2 tablespoons sugar in a small bowl. Use this mixture to dust your work surface. Roll out the dough ¼ inch thick, one half at a time. Using a 3-inch star cookie cutter, cut out 12 cookies, and place 1 inch apart on a greased cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining dough.
  2. Let the cookies stand, uncovered, for about 2 hours.
  3. Preheat oven to 300F.
  4. Bake cookies 20 minutes, then remove from the oven.
Glaze
  1. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the water, stirring until smooth.
  2. Use a brush to glaze the cookies, then return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. The surface will appear crusty.
  3. Allow cookies to cool a bit before removing to wire racks.
Notes
Makes about 2 dozen.


Store in a tightly covered container with waxed paper between the layers. The cookies will keep well for several weeks.
Recipe by Webicurean at http://blog.webicurean.com/2013/11/22/cinnamon-stars-zimtsterne-twelvedaysofsanta/