Vanilla Kipferl – A Delightful Almond Crescent Cookie Recipe
Category: Desserts
Servings/Pieces: 50 cookies
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Almonds | 100g |
| Butter (cold, cubed) | 150g |
| Granulated Sugar | 100g |
| All-Purpose Flour | 250g |
| Egg | 1 |
| Vanilla Bean Pod | 1 |
| Powdered Sugar (for dusting) | As needed |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Almonds
Begin by placing the almonds in a food processor. Add half of the granulated sugar and pulse the mixture until the almonds are finely ground. This step will infuse the cookie dough with a rich almond flavor, giving your Kipferl their signature taste. -
Sift the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift the all-purpose flour to remove any lumps and ensure that it is light and airy. Once sifted, add the almond mixture to the flour. Stir in the remaining half of the granulated sugar, making sure everything is well combined. -
Add the Vanilla
Slice the vanilla pod lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add the vanilla seeds to the flour and almond mixture. This will give your Kipferl a fragrant, natural vanilla flavor that elevates the entire recipe. -
Incorporate the Butter and Egg
Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Using your hands, quickly rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Once the butter is fully incorporated, add the egg and continue mixing until the dough starts to come together. -
Form the Dough
Once the dough has formed, wrap it in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the dough to firm up, making it easier to shape the cookies. -
Shape the Kipferl
After the dough has rested, remove it from the fridge and divide it into small portions. Roll each portion into a log about 10 cm long and ½ cm thick. Carefully bend each log into the traditional crescent shape, creating the iconic “kipferl” or crescent shape. -
Bake the Cookies
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the shaped Kipferl on it, leaving a little space between each cookie. Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden and firm to the touch. -
Finish with Powdered Sugar
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. While they are still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar for a sweet, snowy finish. This adds an elegant touch to these already delightful cookies.
Tips for Perfect Kipferl
- Butter temperature: Ensure the butter is cold when mixing with the dry ingredients for a flaky, tender texture.
- Storage: Store your Kipferl in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for several days and are perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of tea.
- Custom flavors: For a variation, you can add a dash of cinnamon or finely grated lemon zest to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (1 Cookie) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80-90 kcal |
| Protein | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 5g |
These Vanilla Kipferl are a delightful treat, combining the rich flavors of almonds and vanilla in a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. Perfect for holiday gatherings, tea parties, or simply enjoying with your loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy baking these timeless, crescent-shaped cookies, and let the sweet aroma fill your kitchen!
