-
Line two
cookie sheets with parchment paper. Beat the egg
whites in a large bowl with an electric mixer at
medium speed until frothy.
-
With mixer at
high speed, gradually add the confectioners'
sugar and lemon juice until stiff, glossy peaks
form. Spoon 1 cup
(250
ml) beaten whites into a small bowl and set
aside in the refrigerator as a glaze.
-
Use a large
rubber spatula to fold 3 cups
(450
g) almonds,
the vanilla sugar, and vanilla into the large
bowl of beaten whites.
-
Cover with
plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 275°F/140°C/gas 1. Sprinkle
a lightly floured surface with the remaining
ground almonds.
-
Roll out the
dough in small portions to a thickness of 1/2
inch (1 cm). Dip a star cutter into cold water
and stamp out star shapes.
-
Gather the
dough scraps, re-roll, and continue cutting out
cookies until all the dough is used. Use a
spatula to transfer the cookies to the cookie
sheets, placing them 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.
-
Brush a thin
layer of reserved chilled egg white over each
star. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until firm to
the touch. Cool completely on the cookie sheets.