Authentic Zimtsterne Recipe Germany, Europe

This star-shaped cookie, typically prepared for Advent and Christmas in Germany and most of the Geman-speaking countries, is made with only four to five ingredients, depending on the recipe — almond flour, confectioners' sugar, egg whites, cinnamon, and, sometimes, vanilla sugar. The ingredients are mixed to make a dough, which is rolled out, and star-shaped cookies are cut out and then brushed with an icing made by whisking egg whites and confectioners' sugar. The cookies need to then bake at a low temperature, so the icing does not catch color. Common variations include adding rum or lemon for flavor or using hazelnuts instead of almonds, or a combination of both. Zimtsterne cookies are gluten-free and can keep for about two weeks, if stored in an airtight container.