Vanillekipferl (German Vanilla Crescent Cookies)
Vanillekipferl (German Vanilla Crescent Cookies) are traditional German Christmas Cookies made with ground nuts and dusted with vanilla sugar! (Please read the post and watch the video below before making this recipe, these cookies are delicate and are a bit difficult to make but worth the effort! If you have a scale I recommend using the metric measurements (button to switch next to ingredients header)!)
Servings: 40
Ingredients
For the cookie dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour spoon and level
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter cold, cut into small cubes
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ¾ cup finely ground almonds or hazelnuts or walnuts
- ½ vanilla pod seeds scraped out or 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the sugar mixture:
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ vanilla pod
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment combine flour, salt, cubed butter, powdered sugar, nuts, and vanilla seeds. Mix at medium speed until a crumbly dough forms, about 1-2 minutes. If the dough is too crumbly add 1-2 Tbsp milk.
- Use your hands to press the dough together and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill the dough for one hour in the fridge.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough into a log approximately 1/2 inch thick. Cut the log into 1 1/2-inch pieces, form the pieces into small cylinders and taper the ends into dull points. Bend each one into a crescent shape. Place the Vanillekipferl on the baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake the Vanillekipferl one cookie sheet at a time for 12 to 15 min (depending on the size of the cookies) until the edges are golden. They should not brown.
- Scrape out vanilla pod and combine with powered sugar. This works great in a small food processor. Sift the mixture over the hot Vanillekipferl. Let them cool completely then give them a second dusting.
- These cookies keep fresh for about 3 weeks in an airtight container stored in a cool place.
Video
Notes
You can switch to metric measurements by pressing the button in line with the ingredients header.
Nutrition
Calories: 94kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Potassium: 8mg | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 140IU | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.4mg