Introduction:
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that captures the essence of classic European baking but with a quick and easy twist, Vanillekipferl is the perfect choice! These traditional Austrian and German crescent-shaped cookies are fragrant with vanilla and dusted with powdered sugar. Best of all, you can prepare a batch in just 15 minutes, making them an ideal snack for those moments when you crave something homemade but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s for a festive celebration or a cozy afternoon, these cookies are sure to delight your palate and impress your guests!
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup ground almonds (or walnuts, if preferred)
A pinch of salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla sugar (optional, for extra vanilla flavor)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, ground almonds (or walnuts), and a pinch of salt. Add the softened butter and vanilla extract. If you’re using vanilla sugar, add it in as well. Mix everything together until it forms a dough.
Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small, 1-inch balls, then gently shape them into crescent moon shapes with your hands. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on the edges. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.
Coat with Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. While they’re still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar to coat them evenly. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving: These Vanillekipferl cookies are best served fresh but can also be stored for later enjoyment. They pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee and make a lovely addition to holiday cookie platters.
Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are well wrapped to maintain their freshness.
Variations:
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