German "Zimtsterne" (Cinnamon Stars)

By carvalhohm

Ingredients

• 2 egg whites
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 1 1/3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 2 1/2 cups + 1 tblsp ground unblanced almonds

Preparation

Step 1

Beat egg whites until stiff. Beat in salt and powdered sugar, 2 tblsp at a time. Mixture should be stiff and glossy. Beat additionally as necessary so it retains mark of knife blade. Set aside 1/2 cup whites to coat cookies. Add ground nuts, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir together gently but thoroughly. Mixture should be heavy and fairly solid. Add more almonds if too sticky.

Sprinkle board with sugar and roll dough to 3/8" thickness. If dough sticks, sprinkle more sugar on board. Cut dough with small star-shaped cutter. Place on greased baking sheet. Paint each cookie with reserved egg white mixture. Bake at 275 degrees for 20 minutes. Store in airtight container.