From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/6
Pistachio Zimtsterne (Cinnamon Stars)
Instructions
1
In a food processor, combine pistachios and almonds. Pulse until they are finely ground, but be careful not to grind them too much, or they’ll turn into a nut butter! In a bowl, combine the ground nuts, powdered sugar, flour, cinnamon, and orange zest. Stir in the vanilla extract and egg whites until a crumbly dough forms*. Using your hands, knead until everything is mixed together and the dough forms. Flatten, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill at least an hour, but you can make it up to 2 days in advance.
2
Preheat oven to 350* F (170* C). After the dough has chilled, roll it on a powdered-sugar surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out about 28 cookies, re-rolling as necessary. I like to dip the cookie cutter in powdered sugar before cutting, because it prevents sticking. Line on a greased baking sheet. They can be pretty close together, because they don’t puff up much. Bake for about 8 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly browned. Let cool completely.
3
Alternatively, for airy cookies, you can whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold the dry mixture into the egg whites, add the vanilla, and finish the recipe as directed.
4
While the cookies are baking, combine the remaining powdered sugar with the orange juice, milk, and vanilla. I start with 1 Tbs. each of orange juice and milk and add more liquid to get my desired consistency of icing. After the cookies have cooled, dip each one in the glaze. Add sprinkles if desired! Let harden, and keep stored in tupperware.
My Calorie Intake
Review & Earn
Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus
Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!
My Notes
Your kitchen notebook is waiting.
Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.
Tips & Tricks (5)
- Toast Your Nuts First 🥜Lightly toast the almonds and pistachios for 5-7 minutes at 350°F before grinding to intensify their nutty flavors and reduce moisture content for crispier cookies.
- Room Temperature Egg Whites 🥚Allow egg whites to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before whipping—they'll reach stiff peaks faster and create lighter, airier cookies with better structure.
- Zest Freshness Matters 🍊Zest your orange immediately before mixing and use fresh juice rather than bottled to ensure vibrant citrus notes that won't get lost in the spiced cookie dough.
- Chill Before Cutting 🧊Refrigerate your dough for at least 2 hours before cutting into star shapes—this prevents spreading during baking and ensures crisp, well-defined edges on your cookies.
- Glaze Consistency Control 🎨Add milk to your powdered sugar glaze one teaspoon at a time until you reach drizzling consistency; too thick and it won't flow, too thin and it'll slide off the delicate cookies.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Vegetarian
Low-Cholesterol
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
More Recipes by Sunday Table
Check out more Sunday Table content!Browse Sunday Table recipes!
No Recipes Available
EXPLORE
Looking for more?
Use our smart searchtool, explore by category, or browse your customized food feed.