German Cinnamon Star Christmas Cookies

German Cinnamon Star Christmas Cookies

AKA Zimtsterne German Cookie

Recipe by
Reviewed by Arturs Arnicans
Prep Time: 9h 42m
Cook Time: 12m
Total Time: 9h 54m
Temp.: 300 °F
Servings: 60
Difficulty: Easy
4.9 (15 Reviews)
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Ingredients

Adjust servings:

Nutritional Information

66
Calories
3.4g
Fat
8g
Carbohydrate
1.7g
Protein
0mg
Cholesterol
2mg
Sodium
German Cinnamon Star Christmas Cookies

Recipe Description

These German Cinnamon Star Christmas Cookies are part of the Germans traditional array of Christmas biscuits that are baked once a year. Also known as Zimtsterne, this little star shaped cookie looks and tastes delightful.

One side biscuit and one side white icing, they really do look special when arranged in a pretty box or packet and make an ideal Christmas gift. So, roll up your sleeves and fill your kitchen with the smell of cinnamon – for a real nostalgic Christmas warmer, winter spices.

To make German Cinnamon Star Christmas Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients for German Cinnamon Star Christmas Cookies

Steps to make

  1. 1

    Whisk egg whites

    2 min
    Step 1 - German Cinnamon Star Christmas Cookies

    In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.

  2. 2

    Add sugar

    13 min
    Step 2 - German Cinnamon Star Christmas CookiesStep 2 - German Cinnamon Star Christmas Cookies

    Add confectioners’ sugar, ½ cup batches at a time, beating for 1 minute in between each addition and for a further 5 minutes after the final addition. Mixture should be stiff enough. Set aside ½ cup of mixture for icing.

  3. 3

    Prepare dough

    2 min
    Step 3 - German Cinnamon Star Christmas Cookies

    Fold raw almond meal, cinnamon and Kirschwasser if using it. Mix to combine.

  4. 4

    Chill dough

    1h
    Step 4 - German Cinnamon Star Christmas Cookies

    Refrigerate for 1 hour to chill dough.

  5. 5

    Cut cookies

    10 min
    Step 5 - German Cinnamon Star Christmas Cookies

    Roll out cookie dough onto a clean countertop or a board dusted with a generous amount of confectioners’ sugar and pat into a square shape about ½-inch thick. Using a star cookie cutter, dusted with confectioners’ sugar, cut out stars. Dust cookie cutter between each cut. Place on a baking sheet lined with baking parchment paper.

  6. 6

    Brush with icing

    10 min
    Step 6 - German Cinnamon Star Christmas Cookies

    Spread reserved icing on each star all the way to the end of each point.

  7. 7

    Dry stars

    8h
    Step 7 - German Cinnamon Star Christmas Cookies

    Dry stars overnight, ideally inside the oven.

  8. 8

    Preheat oven

    5 min

    Preheat oven to 300 °F.

  9. 9

    Bake

    12 min
    Step 9 - German Cinnamon Star Christmas Cookies

    Bake each baking sheet for 10-12 minutes, removing from the oven before icing turns too brown. Keep color a little golden.

  10. 10

    Serve

    Step 10 - German Cinnamon Star Christmas Cookies

    Remove cookies from baking sheet to cool completely and store in a dry place or serve immediately with tea or coffee!

Mix up your Christmas menu this year and add these German Cinnamon Star Christmas Cookies to bring some new cultures and traditions to your family. Let us know if you enjoy this idea and tag #cookmerecipes in your own Christmas posts and pictures online!

About the author

Lilly Mathuse

Lilly is an enthusiastic and cheerful young mom. She knows as well as any parent that children can be really picky when it comes to food. And she’s had plenty of experience trying to cook meals that are both tasty and nutritious, and able to satisfy the tastes of a fussy kid right away! To save you some precious time, Lilly's going to share with you all the tricks she learned the hard way, so you don’t have to! She has a wealth of recipes for quick and easy meals for kids and families on a budget.

Recipe Reviews

Have you made this recipe? Share your experience and help other cooks!

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.9 out of 5 (15 reviews)
Santi
March 17, 2025
Verified

Estas galletas me recordaron a mi infancia. Prepararlas fue muy divertido, el aroma de canela llenó mi casa y me hizo sentir la Navidad. Sin duda, son unas deliciosas galletas que compartiré con mis amigos.

Ursula
January 29, 2025
Verified

Superb! These cookies filled my kitchen with love and cinnamon. My kids were so excited to help make them for our family Christmas party!

Martha Johnson
December 25, 2024
Verified

So tasty, wow!

Jessica Morgan
November 23, 2024
Verified

Simply delicious treat!

Alex Hunter
November 11, 2024
Verified

These cookies are just superb! My kids and I made them together last Christmas, and the kitchen filled with the sweet smell of cinnamon! They turned out gorgeous, and we packaged them as gifts. Everyone loved them, and I can't wait to make more this year!

Fiona
February 17, 2024
Verified

These cookies are heavenly! I made them for my family's Christmas get-together and they disappeared instantly. So easy to make and the taste is just perfect. Thank you for this delightful recipe!

Ruth74
December 10, 2023
Verified

Exceptional! I made these cookies last Christmas, and they filled my home with the aroma of cinnamon. Gifting them in pretty boxes brought smiles to my friends. Simple yet festive, they are a must-try for anyone celebrating the holiday season!

Isabella
November 29, 2023
Verified

Taste so amazing

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