Indulging in a plate of freshly baked cookies is one of life’s simple joys, and Vanillekipferl, the renowned buttery crescent cookies from Austria, perfectly encapsulate this pleasure. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also bring a nostalgic touch to any festive gathering or cozy afternoon at home. Made from finely ground nuts and kissed with rich vanilla flavor, Vanillekipferl are an ideal treat to share during the holidays or to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
The charm of Vanillekipferl lies in their simplicity and the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake. Crafted using just a handful of ingredients—predominantly unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and crumbly almonds or hazelnuts—these cookies are surprisingly easy to prepare! With minimal hands-on time, they are an accessible recipe that even novice bakers can master. Plus, the addition of vanilla sugar infuses them with a sweet, aromatic flavor that distinguishes them from ordinary cookies. You can even package them beautifully to give as gifts, making them a perfect homemade treat for your loved ones.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a holiday gathering, gift something special during the festive season, or just want a quick and satisfying dessert, these Vanillekipferl cookies are sure to delight. Their unique shape and irresistible flavor make them a standout addition to any cookie platter. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into the art of making these delicious crescent-shaped delights!
Why You’ll Love This Vanillekipferl
- Rich Flavor: The combination of butter, nuts, and vanilla creates a deliciously rich taste.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, anyone can whip these up.
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies can be elegantly packaged and given as thoughtful gifts.
- Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies fit perfectly.
- Make Ahead: These cookies taste even better after a day, making them great for prep ahead of time.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Preparing your kitchen for baking Vanillekipferl is a crucial step to ensure success. Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools so that everything is at your fingertips. You’ll need a mixing bowl for combining dry ingredients, a pastry cutter or your hands for mixing the butter and dough, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for the ultimate cookie placement. A rolling pin may also come in handy if you opt to roll out your dough for easier shaping. Don’t forget the most important tool—your oven, which should be preheated to a steady temperature to ensure evenly baked cookies!
Additionally, before you begin, make sure to chill your butter. Cold butter is critical to keeping the dough crumbly and tender, providing that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. And always remember to have a wire rack handy for cooling your baked cookies. This will help maintain the crisp texture while preventing sogginess as they cool.
Ingredients
- 200 g unsalted butter
- 280 g all-purpose flour
- 100 g ground almonds or hazelnuts
- 80 g powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- Extra powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by placing the all-purpose flour, ground almonds or hazelnuts, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt into a large mixing bowl. Mix these dry ingredients well to ensure that everything is evenly distributed. This creates a well-rounded flavor base for your cookies. Ensure there are no clumps of sugar or flour to achieve a smooth consistency when combined with the wet ingredients.
Step 2: Mix in Butter and Vanilla
Next, add in the cold, cubed unsalted butter and the vanilla sugar to your dry mixture. Using your hands or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour mixture until the dough begins to form. It’s important to handle the butter minimally to keep the cookie dough light and crumbly. The end result should be a mixture that can easily hold together when pressed but isn’t overly smooth. If your dough is too wet, add a tablespoon more of flour.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Once your dough is ready, shape it into a disc and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling the dough is crucial as it allows the butter to firm up, making it easier to shape the cookies into crescents. It also helps deepen the flavors, resulting in even tastier cookies. Plan ahead to ensure you allow enough chilling time before baking.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
After the chilling period, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). On a lightly floured surface, take small portions of the chilled dough and roll them into logs. Then, gently curve each log to form a crescent shape. Place these shaped cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space between them for even baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Vanillekipferl in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as you’ll want to remove them once they are just lightly golden at the edges. Overbaking will result in a dry cookie, so it’s better to err on the side of underbaking slightly. The cookies will continue to firm up after you take them out of the oven.
Step 6: Coat in Powdered Sugar
While your cookies are still warm but not too hot—this ensures the sugar adheres without melting—gently coat each one in a mix of powdered sugar, and if desired, a sprinkle of vanilla sugar. This gives them a beautiful finish and an added layer of sweetness. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them in an airtight container.
Variations
- Protein: Feel free to add chopped dark chocolate or sprinkles of your favorite nuts for additional texture and flavor.
- Vegetables: You can introduce finely grated lemon or orange zest for a citrus twist that brightens the cookie flavors.
- Spices: Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to add warmth and richness to your cookies.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your butter is cold for the best dough consistency and texture.
- Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies crumbly and tender.
- Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness—these cookies can last up to a week!
- Consider making these cookies in larger batches for easy gifting!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- They make for an elegant centerpiece on any holiday dessert table or platter.
Tips
- Use a light hand when shaping the dough to prevent it from becoming tough.
- For added flair, sprinkle more powdered sugar over the cookies just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Experiment with different nut varieties for a distinct flavor profile; try macadamia nuts or pecans!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (includes chilling time)
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 80 calories per cookie
- Protein: 1.5g
- Sodium: 0.5mg
FAQs
Can I use different nuts for Vanillekipferl?
Absolutely! While traditional recipes use ground almonds or hazelnuts, you can experiment with other nuts like walnuts or pecans for a unique flavor.
How long do these cookies last?
If stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies can stay fresh for up to a week. They also taste even better the next day!
Can I freeze Vanillekipferl?
Yes, these cookies freeze well! Just make sure they are completely cooled and stored in a freezer-safe container.
What can I substitute for vanilla sugar?
If you don’t have vanilla sugar on hand, you can easily make it using regular granulated sugar added with a bit of vanilla extract or use plain sugar instead.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the magic of Vanillekipferl lies in their simple yet luscious flavor, making them a delightful treat to savor or share. This traditional Austrian cookie is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to create warm memories and the perfect ambiance during any gathering. Their buttery texture, combined with the nutty notes and sweetness from the vanilla, will leave everyone asking for seconds. Don’t hesitate to try this delightful recipe, as the process is as rewarding as the end result.
We’d love to know how your Vanillekipferl turned out! Please leave a comment below to share your experience or any variations you tried. Happy baking, and may your cookie jar always be full!
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Vanillekipferl – Austrian Crescent Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 cookies 1x
Description
Vanillekipferl are renowned buttery crescent cookies from Austria, perfect for any festive gathering or cozy afternoon.
Ingredients
- 200 g unsalted butter
- 280 g all-purpose flour
- 100 g ground almonds or hazelnuts
- 80 g powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- Extra powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Start by placing the all-purpose flour, ground almonds or hazelnuts, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt into a large mixing bowl. Mix these dry ingredients well to ensure that everything is evenly distributed.
- Add in the cold, cubed unsalted butter and the vanilla sugar to your dry mixture. Using your hands or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour mixture until the dough begins to form.
- Shape the dough into a disc and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). On a lightly floured surface, take small portions of the chilled dough and roll them into logs, curving each log to form a crescent shape. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake your Vanillekipferl for about 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden at the edges.
- While your cookies are still warm, coat each one in a mix of powdered sugar, and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
These cookies taste even better after a day, making them great for prep ahead of time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 80 calories per cookie
- Sodium: 0.5 mg
- Protein: 1.5 g