Vanillekipferl

Vanillekipferl Recipe from Austria - Almond & Vanilla Cookies

Region / culture: Austria | Servings: 12

Introduction

Vanillekipferl, also known as vanilla crescents, are traditional Austrian and German Christmas cookies that are shaped like crescent moons. These delicate cookies are made with almonds, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, giving them a rich and buttery flavor with a hint of sweetness.

History

Vanillekipferl have been a popular Christmas cookie in Austria and Germany for centuries. The recipe is said to have originated in Vienna, Austria, and has since spread throughout Europe and beyond. These crescent-shaped cookies are often enjoyed during the holiday season and are a staple at Christmas markets and family gatherings.

Ingredients

60 g finely shredded almonds (about 2 oz or 57 g)
100 g cold butter (about 3.5 oz)
40 g powdered sugar (about 1.5 oz or 43 g)
1 egg yolk
2 vanilla beans (cut each bean in half and scrape seeds out)
135 g all-purpose flour (about 5 oz or 142 g)
1 pinch of salt

How to prepare

Slightly toast the almonds in an ungreased pan, then remove from heat and let them cool.
Combine the butter, powdered sugar, egg yolk, vanilla (using about half of the seeds), flour, almonds, and salt. Knead quickly until a dough forms.
Chill the dough for two hours.
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and shape it into small crescents. Place the crescents on a greased baking sheet.
Bake at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 10 minutes.
Remove the crescents from the baking sheet and roll them in a mixture of 100 – 150 g (about 4 – 5 oz) powdered sugar and the remaining vanilla seeds while they are still hot.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the powdered sugar coating for a warm and spicy flavor.
Substitute the almonds with hazelnuts or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
Drizzle the cooled cookies with melted chocolate for an extra decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the dough for at least two hours before shaping the cookies. This will help the dough firm up and make it easier to work with.

- Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as they can become dry and lose their delicate texture. Keep an eye on them in the oven and remove them as soon as they start to turn golden brown.

- Rolling the warm cookies in powdered sugar while they are still hot will help the sugar stick to the cookies and create a sweet and crunchy coating.

Serving Suggestions

Vanillekipferl are best enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee. They make a great addition to any holiday cookie platter and are perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting the almonds before adding them to the dough will enhance their flavor and give the cookies a nutty aroma.

- Rolling the warm cookies in powdered sugar while they are still hot will help the sugar stick to the cookies and create a sweet and crunchy coating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have vanilla beans, you can use vanilla extract instead. Use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in place of the vanilla beans.

- You can substitute the almonds with almond flour for a smoother texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Vanillekipferl ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to bake the cookies, simply shape the dough into crescents and bake as directed.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Vanillekipferl on a festive platter and dust them with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. You can also place them in decorative cookie tins or boxes to give as gifts during the holiday season.

Pairing Recommendations

Vanillekipferl pair well with a variety of beverages, including hot tea, coffee, or mulled wine. They also go well with a glass of milk or eggnog for a classic holiday treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the Vanillekipferl in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If they start to lose their crispness, you can reheat them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to refresh them.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Vanillekipferl contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Vanillekipferl contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Vanillekipferl contains approximately 7 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Vanillekipferl contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Vanillekipferl are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Vanillekipferl contain almonds and may also contain traces of other nuts. They also contain dairy in the form of butter and egg yolk.

Summary

Vanillekipferl are a sweet and indulgent treat that are best enjoyed in moderation due to their high fat and calorie content. They are a great option for those looking for a festive holiday cookie to enjoy during the Christmas season.

Summary

Vanillekipferl are a classic Christmas cookie that are sure to delight your taste buds with their rich and buttery flavor. These crescent-shaped cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season and are a festive addition to any cookie platter. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe for Vanillekipferl. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. She had a knack for creating delicious dishes that always left us wanting more.

One day, as I was helping her in the kitchen, she pulled out a tattered old cookbook that had been passed down through generations. It was filled with handwritten recipes, each one more enticing than the last. As she flipped through the pages, she came across a recipe for Vanillekipferl that had been given to her by a dear friend many years before.

I watched with wide-eyed wonder as my mother read through the ingredients and instructions, her hands moving deftly as she measured and mixed. The scent of vanilla and almonds filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation of the delicious cookies to come.

As the dough came together, my mother showed me how to shape the cookies into delicate crescents, a task that required patience and precision. I struggled at first, my clumsy fingers failing to create the perfect shape, but with my mother's gentle guidance, I soon got the hang of it.

Once the cookies were shaped and baked to a golden perfection, my mother took them out of the oven and sprinkled them with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. The warm, sweet aroma wafted through the kitchen, drawing the rest of the family in to sample the fruits of our labor.

As I bit into my first Vanillekipferl, I was transported to a world of pure bliss. The cookies were buttery and tender, with a hint of almond and vanilla that lingered on my tongue. It was a taste unlike any other I had experienced before, and I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my own culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I perfected the art of making Vanillekipferl, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I experimented with different types of nuts and extracts, adding my own unique twist to the classic recipe.

I shared my love for Vanillekipferl with friends and family, bringing batches of freshly baked cookies to every gathering and celebration. Each time I made them, I was reminded of that special day in the kitchen with my mother, learning the secrets of this beloved recipe.

As the years passed, I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, adding new recipes to my repertoire and passing down the tradition of cooking to my own children and grandchildren. But no matter how many recipes I learned or mastered, Vanillekipferl would always hold a special place in my heart.

It was more than just a cookie to me. It was a connection to my past, a reminder of the love and dedication that went into each batch, and the joy that came from sharing something delicious with the ones I hold dear. And for that, I will always be grateful.