Cinnamon Stars
Delicate cinnamon stars with a crisp texture and nutty almond flavor, topped with a sweet meringue, perfect for festive occasions or as an elegant treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lightly grease two cookie sheets.
- Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually add, beating constantly, the confectioners sugar.
- Beat the egg white-sugar mixture for 5 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Blend in lemon peel and cinnamon.
- Set aside 1/2 cup of this meringue mixture and fold in the grated almonds into the remaining meringue mixture.
- Gently pat or roll out the dough to 3/8-inch thickness on a canvas sprinkled with granulated sugar.
- Lightly sprinkle the top of the dough with more sugar.
- Cut out star-shaped cookies with a 2 to 2 1/2-inch star-shaped cutter dipped in confectioners sugar.
- Carefully place the star cookies on the prepared cookie sheets.
- Drop 1/2 teaspoon of the reserved meringue onto each cookie, drawing it out onto the points of the star.
- Bake at 325°F for 15 to 18 minutes.
- Immediately remove the cookies from the cookie sheets with a spatula and transfer to cooling racks.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best texture, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can substitute the almonds with ground sunflower seeds. For added flavor, consider incorporating a dash of vanilla extract into the meringue. Make sure to use freshly grated lemon peel to enhance the overall taste. For a festive touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the finished cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These Cinnamon Stars are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet snack with coffee or tea. They pair beautifully with a glass of mulled wine or hot apple cider. You can also serve them alongside *Frosted Cranberry Squares* for a delightful dessert platter. For a festive presentation, dust them with powdered sugar before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Cinnamon Stars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their crispness, avoid stacking them until they are completely cool. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cinnamon Stars contains roughly 125 calories, with 3g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 8g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use blanched almonds instead of unblanched?
Yes, you can use blanched almonds, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Unblanched almonds give the cookies a more rustic appearance and a nuttier flavor. If using blanched almonds, you might want to adjust the sugar slightly, as they are typically sweeter.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, consider cutting back on the confectioners' sugar by about 1/4 cup. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. Additionally, using dark chocolate as a topping can provide a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the meringue.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meringue mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before folding in the grated almonds. However, for the best texture, it's recommended to shape and bake the cookies fresh.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).