Classic German Cinnamon Star Cookies Recipe

Classic German Cinnamon Star Cookies are the kind of treat that brings instant cheer — picture a plate of golden, almond-scented stars dusted with sugar, just waiting for you to take a bite. These charming cookies have origins steeped in German holiday tradition, and they never fail to make your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly. Each star bursts with the warmth of cinnamon and the buttery richness of almonds, mingling together to create a cookie that’s crisp on the outside and soft within. Whether you share them over coffee with friends or pack them into a festive gift tin, they have a magical way of turning any gathering into a special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Even though Classic German Cinnamon Star Cookies taste like you spent all day baking, the ingredient list couldn’t be simpler. Every component matters — from the soft almond flour that forms their backbone, to the bright zing of lemon juice, each bite is thoughtfully layered with flavor and cheer.

• Almond flour (2½ cups): The heart of these cookies, giving them their signature nutty richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): Blends smoothly into the dough and keeps every bite delicately sweet without any grittiness.
• Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Adds irresistible warmth and the nostalgic aroma that defines the classic flavor of these cookies.
• Egg whites (3 large): Whipped to glossy peaks, they give the dough its airy lift and chewy crumb.
• Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): A little splash brightens the flavors and adds a touch of tang to balance the sweetness.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Gives wonderful structure when whipped with egg whites for that little bit of crunch on top.
• Salt (a pinch): Just enough to highlight all the other flavors so they really shine.

How to Make Classic German Cinnamon Star Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by turning your oven on to 300°F (150°C) so it’s ready to go when your dough is prepped. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper — it keeps those lovely star shapes intact and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a roomy bowl, combine the almond flour, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. Give everything a good stir to evenly distribute the spices and sugar for that perfect, sweetly spiced flavor throughout every cookie.

Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites

In a separate, spotlessly clean bowl, add your egg whites and the pinch of salt. Whisk until they reach soft peaks, then gradually sprinkle in the granulated sugar while beating. Continue beating until you’ve got stiff, glossy peaks — this step gives your cookies their signature lightness.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, gently fold the whipped egg white mixture into your almond flour blend using a spatula. Add the lemon juice as you go. The dough will be light and sticky — that’s exactly what you want for the Classic German Cinnamon Star Cookies texture. Take care not to overmix and deflate the egg whites.

Step 5: Roll and Cut Out Cookie Shapes

Lay out two pieces of parchment paper and place your dough between them. Roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to make as many cookies as you can, carefully gathering and re-rolling scraps until all the dough is shaped into stars.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Arrange your stars on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little room between them. Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching closely to make sure they stay pale and don’t brown. They should look set and slightly puffed. Let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely — that final chill is where magic happens.

How to Serve Classic German Cinnamon Star Cookies

Garnishes

A light dusting of confectioner’s sugar just before serving makes these cookies sparkle like fresh snow, adding extra charm and a hint more sweetness. For a festive update, you can drizzle a little white icing across the top or even adorn each star with a silver dragée for a touch of winter magic.

Side Dishes

Classic German Cinnamon Star Cookies pair beautifully with a hot mug of mulled wine or spiced cider for a truly cozy treat. For kids (and kids at heart), serve them alongside mugs of hot cocoa, letting the cookies be the star—pun totally intended—of your holiday cookie spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your cookies in a tall glass jar tied with a festive ribbon, or wrap bundles in clear bags for delightful edible gifts. For a showstopping centerpiece, build a tower of cinnamon stars dusted with powdered sugar — it’s a festive edible decoration everyone will love to nibble on!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the Classic German Cinnamon Star Cookies have cooled completely, stash them in an airtight tin or container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, retaining that perfect tender crunch and spicy fragrance.

Freezing

These cookies are practically made for freezing! Layer them between pieces of parchment in a sturdy container, and they’ll be happy in the freezer for up to two months. Defrost at room temperature right before serving, and they’ll taste just as scrumptious as day one.

Reheating

Though they’re irresistible straight from the container, you can revive that fresh-baked magic by placing the cookies in a 275°F (135°C) oven for about 3-4 minutes. Take care not to let them brown — it’s just enough to refresh their aroma and texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute another nut flour for almond flour?

Hazelnut flour works beautifully in place of almond flour if you’re looking for a subtle flavor twist, but almond flour is traditional and keeps the Classic German Cinnamon Star Cookies close to their authentic roots.

Do I need to chill the dough before cutting the cookies?

No chilling is necessary for this recipe! The dough is easy to roll and cut right away, making these cookies a quick and simple holiday project.

Why do my cookies turn out too hard?

Overbaking is the usual culprit. Bake just until set and pale — not browned — then allow them to finish setting as they cool. This keeps them tender and soft inside.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Good news — the recipe for Classic German Cinnamon Star Cookies is gluten-free as written, thanks to the use of almond flour. No swaps necessary!

How do I keep the cookies from sticking when I roll out the dough?

Rolling the dough between two sheets of parchment paper is the secret. It prevents any sticking, helps maintain the dough’s moisture, and makes transferring your star shapes to the baking sheet a breeze.

Final Thoughts

There’s something deeply joyful about baking and sharing a batch of Classic German Cinnamon Star Cookies. They’re simple yet special, with flavors that transport you to festive gatherings and cozy winter afternoons. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the same cookie-baking cheer that makes the season (and any day) a little sweeter.