National Dish Austria: Cinnamon Stars (Recipe)
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Few treats capture the magic of the festive season quite like Cinnamon Stars. These delicate, melt-in-the-mouth biscuits combine the warm fragrance of cinnamon with the gentle richness of ground almonds, all finished with a glossy white glaze. Loved across Austria and much of Europe, they fill the kitchen with the scent of Christmas and turn an ordinary afternoon into something special. Bake a batch and let a little festive cheer settle over your home.
About Cinnamon Stars
Cinnamon Stars are a classic Christmas biscuit cherished not only in Austria but across many parts of Europe. Their appeal lies in a wonderful cinnamon flavour paired with a tender, melting texture. The combination of ground almonds and warm spice makes them a true highlight of the festive table. They are not only a delight for the palate but also a lovely way to bring a sense of seasonal cheer into the home, much like the other sweet treats of Austrian cuisine.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g ground almonds
- 100 g icing sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 egg white
- 1 pinch of salt
- For the glaze: 100 g icing sugar and 1 egg white
Shopping for the ingredients
To bake the perfect Cinnamon Stars, it pays to choose good-quality ingredients. Fresh almonds are especially worthwhile, and grinding them yourself gives a far more intense aroma. When it comes to the cinnamon, opt for a fresh, fragrant variety, as this has a marked effect on the finished flavour. Icing sugar is just as important for the glaze, since it creates the smooth, glossy surface that makes the biscuits look so appetising.
Preparing the dish
Before you begin making the Cinnamon Stars, take a moment to organise your work surface. Make sure you have all the ingredients to hand and that your space is clean and tidy. Good preparation also means preheating the oven to 175°C, so the biscuits bake evenly throughout. It is well worth lining a baking tray with greaseproof paper too, to stop the biscuits sticking as they bake.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a bowl, combine the ground almonds, icing sugar, cinnamon and salt.
- Add the egg white and knead everything into a smooth dough.
- Leave the dough to rest in the fridge for at least one hour.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1 cm thick and cut out stars with a star-shaped cutter.
- Place the dough stars on the prepared baking tray and bake at 175°C for around 10–15 minutes.
- For the glaze, whisk the egg white with the icing sugar until stiff, then brush it over the cooled biscuits.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Cinnamon Stars are easy to make gluten-free and lactose-free. Simply use a gluten-free flour or add more ground almonds to bring the dough together. Make sure your icing sugar is free from gluten, and reach for a plant-based egg-white substitute when preparing the glaze. This way, anyone with particular dietary needs can still enjoy these delicious festive biscuits.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan version of these Cinnamon Stars, replace the egg white with aquafaba, the liquid drained from a tin of chickpeas. Alternatively, a plant-based egg-white powder, available from many health-food shops, works just as well. To bring the characteristic sweetness to the biscuits, you can also swap the icing sugar for coconut blossom sugar. The result stays not only vegan but wholesome and tasty too.
More tips and tricks
To make your Cinnamon Stars especially aromatic, try working a little orange zest or vanilla into the dough. Another useful tip is to let the cut biscuits rest on the tray for a moment before baking, so they hold their shape better. You can also reach for cutters other than stars to add a little variety. After baking, give the biscuits time to cool fully before brushing them with the glaze.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Cinnamon Stars can easily be adapted to suit your own preferences. Experiment with different nuts, using walnuts or hazelnuts for a change of character. For extra indulgence, stir a little melted chocolate into the glaze, which lends the biscuits an additional layer of flavour. Playing with spices such as ginger or cloves can also bring interesting new tasting notes to the mix.
Ingredient substitutions
If you would rather not use almonds, you can build the dough around hazelnuts or pistachios instead for an intriguing twist. For the glaze, agave syrup can stand in for icing sugar to achieve a different kind of sweetness and consistency. Essences such as almond extract or lemon flavouring can refine the experience even further. Bear in mind that every substitution will subtly alter the flavour profile of the Cinnamon Stars.
Drink pairing ideas
Warm drinks are a wonderful match for these Cinnamon Stars. A hot punch or a classic mulled wine harmonises beautifully with the spiced aroma of the biscuits. For children, a fruity apple punch tastes just as festive. A creamy cappuccino also rounds off the experience, complementing the cosy, spiced character of the biscuits perfectly.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of Cinnamon Stars can be every bit as creative as the baking. Use pretty gift bags or biscuit boxes to package them up for the festive season. Arranging the biscuits on a beautiful plate, garnished with mixed nuts or dried fruit, is sure to impress your guests. A small decoration of fir sprigs or a candle adds a festive touch to any coffee table.
A bit of history
The origins of Cinnamon Stars reach back to the 16th century and are deeply rooted in the German-speaking biscuit-baking tradition. They are thought to have first appeared in Hesse, where they were baked above all at Christmas. The pairing of almonds and cinnamon reflects the culinary tastes of the era, when spices such as cinnamon were highly prized and precious. Today they have become a beloved Christmas biscuit not only in Austria but right across the world.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Cinnamon Stars
In short, Cinnamon Stars are a wonderful Christmas biscuit that not only tastes delicious but also stirs fond memories of the festive season. They are easy to make and endlessly open to variation. With creative ingredients and thoughtfully chosen accompaniments, you can make the experience of these biscuits truly unforgettable. For lovers of classic Austrian treats like Topfenstrudel, they are an absolute must at Christmas time.
