Zimtsterne are traditional German biscuits richly spiced with cinnamon. Predominantly made from ground almonds, they are similar to a spiced macaron (but in my opinion much easier to make!) and are gluten free and dairy free. Chewy, crisp, and incredibly moorish, they make a great gift, or festive cookie to serve to guests – or to eat yourself!
Ingredients
Makes approx 24
3 egg whites, medium
Pinch salt
250g icing sugar
1.5- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
350g ground almonds
Method
Oven 140˚C/280˚F
Line a couple of baking sheets with baking paper.
Beat the egg whites and salt with an electric whisk until stiff. Sift in the icing sugar a little at a time, whisking inbetween.
Remove 3 tbsp mixture and put in bowl, placing to one side for the top of the stars.
Mix the cinnamon with the ground almonds then fold this into the egg whites.
Sprinkle the work surface with icing sugar – or roll between two sheets greaseproof paper – and roll out the dough to 1 cm thick. Cut out stars with 3 inch/7cm cutter.
Place stars on baking trays and spread with ¼ – ½ tsp of the egg white mix – either with a brush or use the back of a teaspoon.
Bake 15 minutes. They will feel soft to the touch.
Remove on the baking paper to a wire rack to cool completely.
Will last 2-3 weeks in airtight container, and they do freeze.