How to Make Vanillekipferl - A Step-by-Step Guide

Vanillekipferl, or "vanilla crescents," are a beloved traditional Christmas cookie in many German-speaking countries. These delicious treats are typically made with a combination of ground nuts, flour, sugar, and butter, and are often flavored with vanilla and coated in powdered sugar. The result is a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that is perfect for the holiday season.

Vanillekipferl are a staple at Christmas markets and family gatherings throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzer...

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Ingredients

  • 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups almond flour
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • 2 ¼ sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar
  • 3 vanilla beans

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Additional Time: 1 hr 30 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 40 mins
  • Servings: 120
  • Yield: 10 dozen cookies

  • Stir all-purpose flour, almond flour, and 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar together in a bowl. Add butter and egg yolks; knead by hand until a smooth dough forms.
  • Divide dough into quarters and form each piece into a rectangle. Wrap each rectangle in plastic wrap. Chill dough in the refrigerator until firm, at least 1 hour, and up to overnight.
  • Place 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon white sugar in a food processor. Cut each vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape seeds from each half with the back of the knife; add to the sugar. Pulse until seeds are evenly dispersed. Pour vanilla sugar into a shallow bowl.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Cut 1 portion of dough into 6 equal pieces, keeping remaining dough chilled. Roll each piece evenly into a 1/2-inch-thick log on a lightly floured surface. Cut each log crosswise into 2-inch pieces and gently roll or pinch ends of each piece into points. Arrange cookies on the baking sheets.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until bottoms are lightly golden but tops are still pale, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and let stand for 2 minutes.
  • Roll warm cookies in the vanilla sugar, brushing off excess sugar. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough, baking in batches.
  • Nutrition

    44 cal.

    • Total Fat: 3g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Cholesterol: 10mg
    • Sodium: 1mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 5g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 2g
    • Protein: 1g
    • Calcium: 1mg
    • Iron: 0mg
    • Potassium: 4mg