Classic German Cinnamon Star Cookies (Zimtsterne) Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian
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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
