Gluten Free Cinnamon Stars- Zimtsterne

These naturally gluten free cinnamon stars might just be my favorite Christmas cookie. Not only do they taste delicious, they hold a special significance in my life. These cookies are a labor of love, and hopefully your family will appreciate them like I did.

Naturally Gluten Free (and Grain Free*) Cookies

These Gluten Free Cinnamon Star Cookies, also known as Zimsterne, might be my favorite Christmas cookie. My friend Erica introduced me to them, shortly after my Celiac Disease diagnosis in 2001.

Her family made these cookies every Christmas, for a decade or more. Erica was so excited to give me some, when she realized that they were gluten free. Made with blanched almond flour, egg whites, powdered sugar, cinnamon and lemon zest, they’re naturally gluten free.

Grain Free Powdered Sugar (Premade & Homemade)

Did you know that most powdered sugars contain corn starch? If you need to follow a grain free diet, make sure to buy corn free powdered sugar. Target sells an Organic Powdered Sugar made with tapioca starch instead of corn starch.

However, it’s also fairly simple to make your own powdered sugar. (You do need a powerful blender.) Find a simple Grain-Free Powdered Sugar recipe on the Power Hungry website.

*While some people use coconut sugar, you really want “white sugar” for this recipe. It’s important for the glaze.

What Gluten Free Flour Do You Use to Make Cinnamon Stars?

When I first made these Gluten Free Cinnamon Stars, I ground up whole almonds. I think you can skip this step and simply use blanched almond flour. Costco sells a 3 lb. bag that is certified gluten free. Bob’s Red Mill Super Fine Almond flour is available at many stores.

Can I Make These Zimsterne Dairy Free? Egg Free?

This recipe contains no dairy. No milk, no butter. However, my recipe uses three egg whites. I’ve never made them any other way. If you need a vegan options, Ela Vegan includes a Zimsterne recipe on her site. She uses orange juice instead of egg whites.

Gluten Free Cinnamon Stars Baking & Icing Tips

The dough for these cinnamon stars WILL be sticky. When I first made the dough, I swore I messed it up. However, as it chilled, the almond flour absorbed much of the moisture. However, you will need lots of powdered sugar for rolling.

In addition, these cookies will puff when you bake them. Make sure to keep them thin. I used a knife to frost these gluten free cinnamon stars. Next time I make them, I will use a piping bag. It allows more control in keeping the star outline.

More Gluten Free Christmas Cookies

These Zimtsterne Cinnamon Star Cookies are just one of many culturally connected Christmas cookies love to make this time of year. The list includes Gingerbread, Spritz, Speculaas, Pizelles, Macarons and more.

Looking for more almond flour based Christmas cookie recipes? Try these Almond Flour Sugar Cookies from Meaningful Eats. Or maybe these Soft and Chewy Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies from Texanerin are more your “jam”?

Gluten Free Cinnamon Stars- Zimtsterne

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Prep Time 3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 13 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 43 minutes mins

Equipment

• Star Cookie Cutters
• Piping Bags
• Parchment Paper
• Bob's Red Mill Super Fine Almond Flour

Ingredients

  

• 3 egg whites room temperature
• 2 1/2 cups Confectioners sugar divided plus more for rolling
• 2 cups almond flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp grated lemon peel

Instructions

 

• In medium bowl, with mixer at high speed, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
• Beat in 2 cups confectioners sugar, 1/4 cup at a time. Don't scrape sides of bowl. Spoon out ¾ c for frosting. Cover and set aside. 
• Into remaining mixture, add almond meal, cinnamon and lemon peel, and ½ c confectioners sugar. Cover, and refrigerate 2 hours. 
• Preheat oven to 350. On a waxed surface, well dusted with confectioners sugar, pat out one third of dough. (Keep remaining dough in the refrigerator until ready to use.)
• Generously sprinkle confectioners sugar on top of dough. Cover with waxed paper and roll out 1/8 inch thick. Peel off paper, and with well dusted star cutter, cut out cookies. (Dust cookie cutter in powdered sugar.)
• With pancake turner or small offset spatula, place stars on cookie sheet. Bake 8 minutes or until lightly browned. With pancake turner, remove cookies to wire racks; cool. Repeat with remaining dough and scraps. Allow to cool completely.
• Turn oven down to 325.
• Frost cookies with reserved frosting. (This may be done easiest with a piping bag.) Return stars to cookie sheets. Bake 5 minutes or until frosting is set but not browned. Cool. Store tightly covered. Makes 3-4 dozen cookies. 

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Who are the special people in your life, those friends that are more like family? How have others supported you in your diagnosis, especially during the holidays? Please give a shout out to these special people in the comments below!

Originally Published Dec 2018