Cinnamon Stars (Zimtsterne)

Ingredients

• 4 pcsEgg white
• 300 gPowdered sugar
• 1 tspCinnamon
• 350 gAlmond
• 1 tspLemon zest
• 1 tbspRum

Instructions

1. 1

   Preparation

   • Preheat the oven to 160 °C (320 °F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
   • Separate 4 eggs. Place the 4 egg whites in a clean, grease-free mixing bowl.
2. 2

   Make the meringue

   • Whip the egg whites with a hand or stand mixer until stiff and glossy.
   • Sift the powdered sugar in portions and mix into the egg whites until a thick, glossy mass forms.
   • Set aside about one third of this mixture for the glaze.
3. 3

   Make the dough

   • Add cinnamon, ground almonds (or hazelnuts) and grated lemon zest to the remaining meringue mixture.
   • Stir everything together and knead by hand into a firm but pliable dough.
   • If the dough is too sticky, chill briefly or work in a little more ground nuts.
4. 4

   Roll and cut

   • Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment to about 4–6 mm thickness.
   • Cut out stars with a cookie cutter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
   • If needed, dust with a little powdered sugar or ground nuts to prevent sticking.
5. 5

   Glaze and bake

   • Stir the reserved meringue mixture with 1 tbsp rum (optional) until a spreadable glaze forms.
   • Brush the stars lightly with the glaze.
   • Bake the cinnamon stars at 160 °C for about 18–22 minutes until the glaze is set and the edges are slightly golden.
   • Remove from oven and let cool completely on a rack.