Vanillekipferl are delicate, buttery crescent-shaped cookies that melt in your mouth. With their sweet vanilla flavor and light, crumbly texture, they are a traditional favorite during the holiday season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These cookies are a true holiday classic! Their rich, buttery taste combined with the warm vanilla flavor makes them the perfect treat for any occasion. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and light dusting of powdered sugar create a festive and irresistible cookie that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled
- ½ cup ground almonds (or hazelnuts)
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
(Find the full list of ingredients below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, ground almonds, and salt.
- Add the chilled butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Mix everything together until the dough forms. You can use your hands to knead the dough gently until it’s smooth.
- Divide the dough into small portions and roll each into a small log, then shape into crescent moons.
- Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool slightly. While still warm, dust with powdered sugar.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Make sure the butter is chilled for a crumbly texture.
- Chill the dough for about 15-20 minutes before shaping to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Handle the dough gently—overworking it can make the cookies dense instead of light and airy.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Nut Options: If you don’t have almonds, hazelnuts or walnuts are great alternatives.
- Flavored Twist: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a little lemon zest for a subtle flavor change.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Vanillekipferl are perfect with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a warm glass of mulled wine during the holiday season. These cookies also pair beautifully with hot chocolate for a cozy winter treat.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for about a week. They also freeze well, so feel free to make them ahead of time and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Just let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
4 FAQs
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can work, butter gives the cookies their signature rich and flaky texture. - What nuts can I use instead of almonds?
Ground hazelnuts, walnuts, or even pecans make for great substitutions. - Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before shaping and baking. - How do I make them more flavorful?
Adding a touch of cinnamon or vanilla bean paste can bring an extra layer of flavor.
Conclusion
Vanillekipferl are a delightful and easy-to-make holiday treat that will surely brighten your celebrations. Their buttery texture, light vanilla flavor, and festive appearance make them the perfect addition to any cookie platter. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or enjoying them with a warm drink, these crescent-shaped delights are sure to bring joy to everyone!
Print
Vanillekipferl
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 30–36 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Vanillekipferl are classic, melt-in-your-mouth crescent-shaped cookies from Germany and Austria, typically made during the holiday season. These buttery, almond-infused treats are generously dusted with powdered sugar and have a delightful vanilla flavor that makes them irresistible.
Ingredients
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 150g unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 100g ground almonds
- 70g powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tsp vanilla sugar or 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, ground almonds, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes and vanilla sugar (or extract). Use your hands or a pastry cutter to blend until the dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Take small portions of dough and roll them into logs, then form into crescent shapes.
- Arrange the cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool for a few minutes, then dust generously with powdered sugar.
Notes
- If you don’t have vanilla sugar, you can substitute with regular sugar and a bit of vanilla extract.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg