Certainly! Vanillekipferl, or Vanilla Crescents, are traditional Austrian and German cookies that are especially popular during the holiday season.
These delightful crescent-shaped cookies are made with ground nuts, typically almonds or hazelnuts, and are flavored with vanilla, giving them a rich and aromatic taste.
They are often dusted with powdered sugar, making them a sweet and festive treat. Here’s a classic recipe for making Vanillekipferl:
Vanillekipferl (Vanilla Crescents) Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (100g) ground almonds or hazelnuts
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or the seeds from 1 vanilla bean)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg yolk
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground almonds or hazelnuts, powdered sugar, salt, and baking powder. Mix well to combine.
- Add the softened butter, vanilla extract (or vanilla seeds), and egg yolk to the dry ingredients. Using your hands or a wooden spoon, mix until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not sticky.
- Chill the Dough:
- Once the dough is formed, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to shape the cookies.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- After chilling, take small pieces of dough (about 1 tablespoon) and roll them into small logs, then bend them into crescent shapes. Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them as they will expand slightly while baking.
- Bake:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as they can brown quickly.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar:
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. While they are still warm, carefully transfer them to a wire rack.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, dust them generously with powdered sugar.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Vanillekipferl can be stored in an airtight container for several weeks, allowing the flavors to develop even further. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee, or share them with friends and family during the holiday season!
Tips:
- For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or a few drops of almond extract to the dough.
- If you prefer a more intense vanilla flavor, consider using vanilla bean paste instead of extract.
- These cookies are perfect for gifting during the holidays, so consider making a double batch!
Enjoy making and savoring these delightful Vanillekipferl cookies!
These vanilla crescents are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea.