Cinnamon star
Cinna-mon star
… far more than just a traditional Christmas cookie!
Country:
Italy
To:
Christmas time
Preparation:
45 min
Number:
about 80 pieces
Introduction
About the cinnamon star
The cinnamon star is much more than a traditional Christmas cookie – it is a piece of European cultural history. Its aroma evokes memories of childhood and festivities, but there is a long, exciting history behind this delicacy. Cinnamon was once considered one of the most precious spices in the world – a symbol of wealth and sophistication. The story of Anton Fugger burning Charles V’s promissory bills in a fire made of cinnamon sticks is legendary – a sign of power and decadence.
The origins of the cinnamon star lie somewhere between legend and history. Some attribute it to Cistercian monks in the 12th century, others trace it back to a feast hosted by Cardinal Campeggio for Emperor Charles V in 1530. It was served there as part of a luxurious dessert and soon found its way into the kitchens of Europe.
It was not until the 18th century, when cinnamon became more affordable thanks to global trade, that the cinnamon star was able to establish itself as a popular Christmas cookie among the middle classes – until it finally became one of the classic »Guetzli« of the Advent season.
Preparing them used to be an elaborate ritual: old recipes recommended beating egg whites and sugar by hand for an hour – a sign of appreciation for something special.
Today, the cinnamon star is a familiar treat – perhaps with even more depth if you know about its history. A fragrant relic from times when spices changed the world.
Introduction
About the cinnamon star
The cinnamon star is much more than a traditional Christmas cookie – it is a piece of European cultural history. Its aroma evokes memories of childhood and festivities, but there is a long, exciting history behind this delicacy. Cinnamon was once considered one of the most precious spices in the world – a symbol of wealth and sophistication. The story of Anton Fugger burning Charles V’s promissory bills in a fire made of cinnamon sticks is legendary – a sign of power and decadence.
The origins of the cinnamon star lie somewhere between legend and history. Some attribute it to Cistercian monks in the 12th century, others trace it back to a feast hosted by Cardinal Campeggio for Emperor Charles V in 1530. It was served there as part of a luxurious dessert and soon found its way into the kitchens of Europe.
It was not until the 18th century, when cinnamon became more affordable thanks to global trade, that the cinnamon star was able to establish itself as a popular Christmas cookie among the middle classes – until it finally became one of the classic »Guetzli« of the Advent season.
Preparing them used to be an elaborate ritual: old recipes recommended beating egg whites and sugar by hand for an hour – a sign of appreciation for something special.
Today, the cinnamon star is a familiar treat – perhaps with even more depth if you know about its history. A fragrant relic from times when spices changed the world.
Ingredients for an old recipe
-
750 g sugar
-
250 g hot butter
-
750 g flour
-
500 g breadcrumbs
-
a little milk
-
6 eggs
-
2 tablespoons cinnamon
-
A little nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, ½ nutshell (so very little) ammonium (deer horn salt)
Step by step instructions
Step 1
Beat the sugar with the eggs until frothy and add the spices, including the cinnamon. Knead into a firm dough with the hot butter, flour, breadcrumbs and a little milk and leave to rest for a few days.
Step 2
Knead into a smooth dough, roll out thinly and cut out stars with a cookie cutter.
Step 3
Place on the buttered trays and brush with egg. Then sprinkle with caster sugar, place half an almond in the middle and bake over a medium heat for approx. 15 mins.
Store in tin cans until Christmas Eve!
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