• In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites and salt until frothy at medium speed using a handheld mixer or the whisk attachment on a stand mixer. While the motor is running, slowly add the confectioners’ sugar and continue beating for 5 to 7 minutes or until the mixture is thick and glossy.
• Fold cinnamon and 2 ¼ cups ground almonds (or almond flour) into the egg whites. Add additional ground almonds (up to ¾ cup additional) until you have a firm dough that’s only slightly sticky. The amount will depend on the size of your egg whites and the grind of the almonds.
• Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes. Then preheat oven to 350º F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Remove chilled dough from the refrigerator, unwrap, and leave the plastic wrap underneath. Lay an additional piece of wrap over the dough and roll to ¼ inch thick.
• Using a 1 ½ inch star shaped cookie cutter, dipping the cutter in cold water from time to time to keep it from sticking to the dough, cut out the cookies. Place on the prepared baking sheets, separating slightly.
• Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until just slightly golden and set, but still soft on the inside. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cinnamon Star Icing

• I am using meringue powder as a substitute for 1 egg white, which is traditional, but I’m not a fan of raw eggs. If you want to use an egg white, whisk it to a stiff peak before proceeding to step 2.
• Follow the instructions on the meringue powder container for mixing it with water. You will want to whisk it well to remove any lumps.
• Fold in the confectioners’ sugar. Add additional sugar or water to reach the desired consistency of glossy icing.
• Spoon small amounts of icing onto each cooled cookie using the tip of a knife and spreading into the points. If the icing is thin enough, you can also hold the cookie upside down with your fingers and dip it into the icing. Let dry at room temperature before storing it in an airtight container.