Zimtstern (Cinnamon Star Cookies) with Hazelnut

Zimtstern are traditional German Christmas cookies, flavored with cinnamon and hazelnuts and topped with a delicate meringue glaze. These delightful cookies are chewy, fragrant, and perfect for holiday celebrations!

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

2 cups hazelnut meal (finely ground hazelnuts)
1½ cups powdered sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large egg whites
1 pinch salt

For the Meringue Glaze:

1 large egg white
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

In a large bowl, whisk together the hazelnut meal, powdered sugar, and cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, beat the 2 egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients until a sticky dough forms.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

2. Make the Meringue Glaze:

In a clean bowl, beat the remaining egg white until frothy. Gradually add the powdered sugar while beating until smooth and glossy. Set aside.

3. Roll and Cut the Cookies:

Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Lightly dust a surface with powdered sugar. Roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Glaze the Cookies:

Using a small spoon or a pastry brush, spread a thin layer of meringue glaze over each cookie.

5. Bake:

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the meringue glaze is set but remains white (it should not brown). The cookies should feel slightly firm to the touch.
Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.

Tips:

Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. These cookies often taste better a day or two after baking as the flavors develop.
Substitute almond meal if hazelnut meal is unavailable.
For extra flavor, toast the hazelnuts lightly before grinding them into a meal.

Enjoy these festive Zimtstern cookies with a warm cup of tea or mulled wine!