Cinnamon Stars

Cooking Instructions

Heat oven to 275°F. Grease and lightly flour cookie sheet(s). Have a 21⁄2- to 3-inch star-shape cookie cutter(s) ready.

Dough: In a food processor, process almonds, 1⁄4 cup of the confectioners’ sugar, the cinnamon and lemon peel until almonds are very finely ground. Transfer mixture to a large bowl.

In a medium bowl, beat egg whites and salt with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff. Gradually beat in remaining 11⁄4 cups confectioners’ sugar. Beat 5 minutes until mixture is stiff. Remove and reserve 1⁄4 cup. Stir remaining egg-white mixture into almond mixture until blended and a stiff, but moist, dough forms.

Place dough on a surface sprinkled with confectioners’ sugar. With fingers lightly coated with confectioners’ sugar, pat dough until 1⁄4 inch thick. Cut out stars with cookie cutter(s) dipped in confectioners’ sugar. Use a spatula to transfer stars to prepared baking sheet(s). Press scraps together and use to cut more stars.

Scrape reserved egg-white mixture into a small bowl and stir in lemon juice. Using a table knife, spread a thin layer on each star up to 1⁄8 inch from edge.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes until cookies are firm and very lightly browned around edges. Remove to wire racks to cool.