Vanillekipferln (Vanilla Crescent Cookies)

Description

Vanillekipferln, also known as Vanilla Crescent Cookies, are a beloved Austrian dessert. This delightful recipe is inspired by an entry from Saveur magazine’s December 2003 issue. With a delicate texture and a sweet, nutty flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially during the festive holiday season. The prep time includes the necessary chilling period for the dough, ensuring that every bite is as delicious as it is authentic.

Nutritional Information

These cookies offer a sweet treat that won’t overwhelm your diet. Each cookie is approximately 83.7 calories, with 4.7 grams of fat and 5 grams of sugar. They also provide a small amount of protein and fiber, making them a balanced indulgence. Here’s a detailed nutritional breakdown:

Ingredients

To make approximately 48-54 Vanillekipferln cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups of flour 🌾
• 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar 🍬
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt 🧂
• 3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) of unsalted butter, cut into pieces 🧈
• 1 tablespoon of milk 🥛
• 1/2 cup of ground almonds 🌰
• 1/4 teaspoon of lemon extract 🍋
• 2 packets of vanilla sugar 🌼

Instructions

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making these delicious Vanilla Crescent Cookies:

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: On a clean, flat surface, combine the flour, 3/4 cup of the confectioners’ sugar, ground almonds, 2 packets of vanilla sugar, and salt. Mix thoroughly and shape the mixture into a mound. Then, create a well in the center of the mound.

2. Add the Wet Ingredients: Place the butter and lemon extract into the well. Using your fingers, work the flour-nut mixture into the butter until the dough begins to resemble a coarse meal. This may take a few minutes, so be patient and gentle with your mixing.

3. Incorporate the Milk: Sprinkle the milk over the dough mixture. Continue to knead the dough until it becomes smooth and cohesive. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for 1 hour. This chilling step is crucial for achieving the right texture in your cookies.

4. Preheat the Oven: As your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

5. Prepare the Sugar Coating: In a medium bowl, sift together the remaining confectioners’ sugar and the remaining packet of vanilla sugar. Set this aside; you’ll use it to coat the cookies once they are baked.

6. Shape the Dough: After the dough has chilled, divide it into 16 equal pieces. Using your hands, roll each piece out on a clean surface into ropes about 3/4 inch thick. Cut these ropes crosswise into 2-1/2 inch pieces. Gently pinch the ends of each piece to round off the edges, then shape them into small crescents.

7. Bake the Cookies: Place the crescent-shaped dough pieces onto your prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven until the edges of the cookies are golden, approximately 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.

8. Coat the Cookies: Once the cookies are baked, let them cool on the baking sheets for about 1 minute. Then, transfer a few cookies at a time into the bowl of sugar mixture. Coat each cookie well with the sugar, ensuring they are evenly covered.

9. Cool Completely: After coating the cookies, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This final cooling step will help set the sugar coating and enhance the flavors.

10. Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 1 week, maintaining their fresh and delicious taste.

Timing

The total time required to make these Vanillekipferln cookies is 1 hour and 29 minutes. Here’s a breakdown of the time involved:

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Vanillekipferln

1. Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for these cookies. It not only helps to firm up the dough but also enhances the flavor as the ingredients meld together.

2. Ground Almonds: For the best flavor, use freshly ground almonds. You can grind whole almonds in a food processor to the desired consistency. Be careful not to over-process, as this can turn the almonds into almond butter.

3. Shaping the Crescents: When shaping the cookies, ensure the crescents are uniform in size for even baking. You can use a ruler for precise measurements.

4. Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the cookies during baking. They should be just golden around the edges but still pale in the center. Overbaking can make them too crisp and dry.

5. Coating with Sugar: Coating the cookies while they are still warm helps the sugar stick better. Be gentle during this process to avoid breaking the delicate cookies.

6. Storage: If you plan to store the cookies for longer than a week, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Enjoying Vanillekipferln

Vanillekipferln are perfect for any festive occasion, and they pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. Their delicate texture and rich flavor make them a favorite among both children and adults. Whether you are baking these cookies for a holiday gathering or just as a sweet treat for yourself, they are sure to bring a smile to anyone who tastes them. Happy baking! 😊🍪✨