Chocolate Kipferl Recipe (Kipferl al Cioccolato)
If you’re craving a delicious, buttery treat with a rich chocolate twist, these Chocolate Kipferl (Kipferl al Cioccolato) are the perfect addition to your dessert repertoire. These little crescent-shaped cookies, kissed by the indulgence of dark chocolate, are ideal for any occasion—from cozy evenings at home to special celebrations. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and hint of vanilla, these treats are bound to become a favorite.
Servings: 1 batch (approximately 50 pieces)
Category: Sweets
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Resting Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients for Chocolate Kipferl
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Egg | 1 large |
| All-purpose flour | 250g |
| Sugar | 125g |
| Lemon (for zest) | 1 medium |
| Fine salt | to taste |
| Almonds (ground) | 150g |
| Dark chocolate | 50g (for dough) |
| Butter | 175g (cold, cubed) |
| Vanilla bean | 1 whole |
| Dark chocolate | 150g (for dipping) |
Instructions for Making Chocolate Kipferl
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
To begin making your Chocolate Kipferl, start by finely chopping 50g of dark chocolate. You can use a sharp knife or a food processor to achieve the desired consistency. Set the chopped chocolate aside.
In a large mixing bowl, sift the 250g of all-purpose flour to ensure there are no lumps. Then, incorporate 125g of sugar into the flour. Add a pinch of fine salt and the zest of one lemon, which will provide a subtle citrusy aroma that enhances the flavor of the dough.
Step 2: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
Now, cube 175g of cold butter and add it to the dry mixture. The cold butter is key to creating the desired texture—crumbly yet soft. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Next, add the ground almonds for added richness and a slightly nutty flavor. To further enhance the dough, scrape the seeds from one vanilla bean and add them to the mixture. This will infuse the Kipferl with a delightful vanilla scent.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate and Shape the Dough
Once all the dry and wet ingredients are well combined, fold in the chopped dark chocolate (50g). The chocolate will melt slightly into the dough, creating pockets of indulgence throughout the cookies.
Form the dough into a ball and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Allow it to rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This resting period helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to handle when shaping the cookies.
Step 4: Shape the Kipferl
After the resting time, take the dough out of the refrigerator. Divide the dough into small portions, approximately 15g each. Roll each portion into a small log, about 10 cm long and ½ cm thick. Gently bend each log into a crescent shape, resembling a horseshoe.
Place the formed Kipferl on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are spaced evenly to allow for slight expansion during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Kipferl
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, bake the Kipferl for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown at the edges.
Step 6: Dip in Chocolate
While the Kipferl are cooling, prepare the chocolate dipping sauce. Melt 150g of dark chocolate in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.
Once the Kipferl have cooled to room temperature, dip the tips of each cookie into the melted dark chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off. Place the dipped cookies on a parchment-lined tray to set.
Step 7: Let the Chocolate Set
Allow the chocolate-dipped ends to cool and harden at room temperature. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the cookies in the refrigerator for a few minutes to speed up the process.
Enjoy!
Once the chocolate has set, your delicious Chocolate Kipferl are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or as an after-dinner treat. These cookies are sure to be a hit, with their delightful combination of buttery dough, ground almonds, and rich dark chocolate.
Tips for Perfect Kipferl:
- Butter Temperature: Ensure the butter is cold and cubed before incorporating it into the dough. This will help achieve the perfect crumbly texture.
- Resting the Dough: Don’t skip the resting period. It helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape into crescent-like biscuits.
- Storage: Keep your Kipferl in an airtight container to maintain their freshness for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
- Customization: If you prefer a lighter chocolate flavor, you can dip the Kipferl in milk chocolate or even add a sprinkle of crushed nuts to the chocolate coating.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (1 cookie) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 kcal |
| Protein | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 20mg |
These Chocolate Kipferl cookies are a rich and delightful treat that will leave you and your guests craving more. With a combination of buttery dough, ground almonds, and dark chocolate, they are the perfect homemade indulgence for any occasion. Enjoy the simple pleasure of creating these delightful crescent-shaped cookies, and share them with your loved ones for a sweet moment of happiness.
