Classic German Cinnamon Star Cookies (Zimtsterne) Recipe{ “Description”: “Classic German cinnamon star cookies, or Zimtsterne, are buttery, delicately spiced holiday treats dusted with powdered sugar. Their festive star shapes and warm cinnamon aroma make them a Christmas tradition.”, “Ingredients”: “
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Dusting:
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon mixed into powdered sugar
Optional:
Additional cinnamon for a stronger flavor in the dough
“, “Instructions”: “
In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until dough forms. Chill dough for easier handling.
Roll out chilled dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut into star shapes with cookie cutters.
Place stars on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until set but not overly browned.
While warm, dust cookies with powdered sugar or cinnamon-sugar mixture.
“, “Notes”: “
Add more cinnamon for a stronger spiced flavor.
Dust with nutmeg or cardamom for a twist.
For festive presentation, drizzle with icing instead of powdered sugar.
Store in an airtight container up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
Prevent sticking by dusting rolling surface and cutters with flour.
I like this recipe because it’s simple yet captures the essence of Christmas. The dough comes together quickly, and the star shapes make them look so festive on a cookie platter. I also enjoy how versatile they are—I can adjust the cinnamon flavor depending on how strong I want it. For me, these cookies aren’t just a treat; they’re a tradition that feels cozy and joyful.
Ingredients
(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Dusting: 1/4 cup powdered sugar Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon mixed into the powdered sugar
Optional: Additional cinnamon for a stronger flavor in the dough
Directions
I combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.
In another bowl, I cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
I beat in the egg and mix in vanilla extract.
I gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture until a dough forms. I chill the dough to make it easier to work with.
I roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into star shapes with cookie cutters.
I place the stars on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, until just set but not overly browned.
While the cookies are still warm, I dust them with powdered sugar—or with powdered sugar mixed with cinnamon for extra flavor.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 24 cookies. It takes around 30 minutes to prep and 40 minutes to bake, for a total of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
Variations
Sometimes I add more cinnamon to the dough for a stronger spiced flavor. I’ve also dusted them with nutmeg or cardamom for a different twist. If I want a festive presentation, I drizzle a simple icing over the top instead of just powdered sugar.
Storage/Reheating
I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well—I just layer them between parchment paper in a sealed container and thaw them at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
What does “Zimtsterne” mean?
It means “cinnamon stars” in German, referring to the spiced star-shaped cookies.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare the dough and chill it overnight before rolling and baking.
How do I stop the dough from sticking?
I dust my rolling surface and cookie cutters lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
Can I make them without cookie cutters?
Yes, I can shape the dough into rounds or other festive shapes if I don’t have star cutters.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
They should be firm at the edges but not browned—overbaking makes them too crisp.
Can I add nuts to the dough?
Yes, finely chopped almonds or walnuts add a nice crunch.
Can I glaze these instead of dusting with sugar?
Yes, a light glaze of powdered sugar and milk works well too.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily if I’m baking for a crowd.
Do these cookies travel well?
Yes, they hold up nicely, making them perfect for gifting.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, I wrap the dough tightly and freeze it for up to 2 months. I thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling and baking.
Conclusion
I love baking classic German cinnamon star cookies because they bring warmth, spice, and festive cheer to the holiday season. Their simple yet cozy flavor makes them a favorite with family and friends. For me, these Zimtsterne are the perfect addition to any Christmas cookie platter and a tradition worth keeping year after year.
