Zimtstärnli – ‘Cinnamon Stars’ – Swiss Christmas Cookies
Another one of my all time favorites are the Zimtstärnli (meaning little cinnamon stars). Besides being super yummy, and they are really not all that hard to make, I think the fact that they are grain free, gluten free and the only fat they contain is from the ground almonds doesn’t hurt either, plus cinnamon has been shown to have blood sugar lowering properties.
Yes, these are cut outs again. And you could really make them any shape you like. You’ll just have to call them cinnamon elephants or whatever 😉 Traditionally rolled out on granulated sugar instead of flour, I suggest you use more ground almonds instead.
Please be aware that most confectioners sugar contains corn starch.
These really should be made in every American household, just look at what they look like!
Ingredients
- 3 egg whites
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 1/2/ cups confectioners sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp Kirsch (optional, you could leave it out or use lemon juice instead)
- 3 1/2 cups ground almonds (almond flour)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 480°F
- In a large clean bowl, beat egg white with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
- Carefully fold in the sugar. Set aside a 1/4 cup plus 3 tbsp ( a scant 1/2 cup) of the mixture, reserve
- Carefully fold almonds, Kirsch (if using) and cinnamon under the rest of the egg white mixture. Form to dough and place in the fridge. Chill for at least 3 hours.
- Roll out about 1/4″ thick on more ground almonds/almond flour. Then make cookies using star shaped cookie cutter, place on lines baking sheet and brush with a layer of the reserved egg white glaze.
- Bake 5-6 minutes with a wooden spatula in the door of the oven to keep the door cracked and prevent it from closing all the way. This is helping in keeping the tops of the cookies white. (They are perfectly done when the bottom is slightly golden brown but the tops stay a pristine white)
- Cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before removing to cooling rack.
Check out the post on more Swiss Christmas Cookies to try other varieties
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I am so excited to try these delicious cookies! I have been researching other cultures’ traditional Christmas traditions, and I had a friend recommend your site. I did have a question for you….do you use kirsch syrup, or extract?
Oh thanks so much! Let me know what you think 🙂
Well, I would not call it syrup or extract, this is pretty strong stuff (Kirsch can be used to flambé things). But if you cant find Kirsch at the liquor store (often sold as ‘Kirschwasser’ in the US) you probably could use extract. I have also seen recipes that ommit it or use lemon juice, might work in a pinch, as the kirsch only imparts a very subtle flavor.
Please tell me if Kirschwasser cocktail mixer will work for this recipe.. I cannot find any Kirsch cherry brandy.. do they sell it at liquor stores in the US?
Yes, I have gotten it here before. The one I had gotten comes in a little bottle with cherries and old style writing on the label. If I can get it in PA you can defintely find it in other states! Is this ‘cocktail mixer’ a hard beverage? Or is it a sweet concoction? Kirsch is high voltage stuff. But in a pinch you can use a little lemon juice, slight difference in taste, but still awesome!
Im so excited to make these cookies! My ancestors originated in Switzerland and I would love to make these for my family 🙂
So glad you found my blog just in time! And they are really yummy, and I could see how they would do very nicely as a new American Christmas tradition, being white stars and all!
Totally happy to get these fascinating recipes and inspired by your wonderful memories! 🙂 The cocktail mixer is 90 proof.. it doesnt say cherry brandy on the bottle.. but it is clear..I have my almond flour all ready to go but Im afraid to use the mixer.. don’t want to mess them up.. lol. I may just go for the lemon juice instead..
If it is 90 proof, I think it should be the right thing. But now you have me intrigued with the Cherry libre, will have to look that up!
Oh The Kirschwasser coctail mixer says cherry libre on the back of the label. ?? Would you try it or should I got for using lemon juice?