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Zimtsterne

Helen WhittleDecember 21, 2012

A million stars are born at Christmas time in Germany.

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Zimtsterne. Photo: Patrick Pleul +++(c) dpa - Report+++
Image: picture-alliance/dpa

The festive season in Germany brings with it a veritable galaxy of stars - cinnamon stars that is. Yes, from Stollen to gingerbread houses, from Lebkuchen to marzipan, Germans love a sweet treat at Christmas, especially the aromatic Zimtsterne. They're a popular type of Christmas cookie in Germany. Taking the German word for cinnamon (Zimt) and Stern, meaning star, traditional Zimtsterne are made from ground nuts - usually almonds or hazelnuts -, powdered sugar and of course a generous sprinkling of cinnamon. The delicious Christmas cookies can be sourced in supermarkets or at Chirstmas markets across Germany, but it's much more fun to make your own!