Cinnamon Star

Where do cinnamon stars actually come from?

 The cinnamon stars come originally from Switzerland. There they are a traditional Christmas pastry. However, they are now very popular in other countries and are also made there

How to make the best cinnamon stars?

To make the perfect cinnamon stars, please follow these instructions:
Ingredients:
- 250g ground almonds
- 200g powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 egg whites
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 pinch salt
- A few drops of rose water (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
1. In a bowl, mix the ground almonds, powdered sugar and cinnamon.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with the lemon juice and a pinch of salt until stiff. If desired, you can also add a few drops of rose water for extra flavor.
3. Slowly add the stiff beaten egg whites to the almond mixture and gently fold in until you have an even dough.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured work surface to about 1 cm thick. 

Now coat the whole dough with a thin layer of egg white glaze and put the whole dough in the freezer for 15 minutes. After that, with the help of a cinnamon star cookie cutter can cut out beautiful evenly cut out stars.

The remaining dough can simply be pressed together again by hand and kneaded into a dough with a little ground almonds and now the same thing starts all over again. The finished cinnamon stars are now baked in the oven at 210°C for a few minutes.

What glaze to use for cinnamon stars?

 A popular glaze for cinnamon stars is a sugar glaze. For this, powdered sugar is mixed with a little lemon juice or water until a smooth mass is formed. This mass is then spread on the cooled cinnamon stars and allowed to dry. This glaze is also called egg white glaze.

Why do cinnamon stars sometimes become soft?

Cinnamon stars can become soft if not stored properly. Normally, cinnamon stars are made of frosting and beaten egg whites, which gives them a crispy texture. However, moisture in the surrounding air can seep into the cookie dough and make the cookies soft.
There are a few ways to prevent cinnamon stars from becoming soft:
1. Store the cinnamon stars in an airtight tin or bag. This will prevent moisture from getting into the cookies.
2. Avoid storing cinnamon stars near humid or hot places such as the stove or sink. Heat and moisture can make the cookies soft.
3. Make sure the cinnamon stars are completely cool before placing them in an airtight container. If the cookies are still warm, moisture can build up inside.
4. Some people add an extra layer of frosting to their cinnamon stars to keep the moisture out. This extra layer protects the cookies from moisture and keeps them crispy longer.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your cinnamon stars stay crispy and don't get soft. 

Why do cinnamon stars sometimes become hard?

 Cinnamon stars can become hard if they are baked too long or if they are stored too long after baking. Baking dries out the dough, and the longer it stays in the oven, the drier it becomes. Then, if the cinnamon stars are not properly airtight or kept moist, they can dry out further and become hard. It is important to store the cinnamon stars properly after baking, for example in a sealed tin or airtight container to protect them from moisture loss.

Why do cinnamon stars actually have to dry?

Cinnamon stars are a type of cookie made from a mixture of ground almonds, powdered sugar and cinnamon. After the dough is rolled out and the cinnamon stars are cut out, they must dry before they are baked.
The reason for this is that the dough has a sticky consistency and would easily run during baking. However, when the cinnamon stars dry, a solid layer forms on the surface, which prevents them from running and ensures that the cookies keep their shape.
In addition, drying also affects the taste of the cinnamon stars. Drying develops a more intense flavor of the cinnamon and makes them crispier.
Usually, the cinnamon stars are air-dried for a few hours or overnight before baking. They can also be left to dry on a rack in the oven at a low temperature.
So drying is an important step in making cinnamon stars to achieve the right consistency and flavor.

Can you freeze ready-made cinnamon stars?

Yes, you can freeze cinnamon stars.

How can I cut out cinnamon stars?

To cut out cinnamon stars, you will need the following utensils:
- Cinnamon star cookie cutter in star shape
- Rolling pin
- Baking paper
- Rolling pin
- Cinnamon star dough (e.g. almond cinnamon dough)
Here are instructions on how to cut out cinnamon stars:
1. Roll out the cinnamon star dough thinly on a lightly floured surface. About 3-5 mm thick is optimal.
2. Put the baking paper on a baking tray and place the dough on it.
3. Take the cinnamon star cutter and press it gently into the dough. Be careful not to press too hard so that the dough doesn't stick.
4. Repeat the process until the dough is completely cut out. You can knead the dough again and roll it out again to cut out more cinnamon stars.
5. Remove the excess dough around the cut out cinnamon stars. You can use a pastry card or knife to do this.
6. Preheat the oven to the temperature specified in your cinnamon star recipe.
7. Place the baking sheet with the cut-out cinnamon stars in the preheated oven and bake them for the specified time.
8.Once the cinnamon stars are golden brown and slightly crispy, remove the baking tray from the oven and allow the cinnamon stars to cool completely before removing them from the tray.
9. Repeat the process with the remaining dough until all the cinnamon stars have been cut out and baked.
Have fun cutting them out and enjoy your homemade cinnamon stars!

How should you store cinnamon stars?

 To keep cinnamon stars fresh and crisp, store them in an airtight tin or sealable container. It is advisable to place parchment paper or baking paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store them in a cool, dry place. Cinnamon stars can keep well for several weeks if stored properly.