Go Back
Vanillekipferl
Print Recipe
No ratings yet

Vanillekipferl (Austrian Vanilla Crescent Cookies)

Vanillekipferl are a traditional German Christmas cookie with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate vanilla aroma.  They are considered an essential part of the Christmas baking tradition.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Additional Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Author: Ashley Adamant

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups 175g all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup 120g unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups + 2 tbsp 200g confectioners' sugar, divided
  • 2 tbsp Vanilla Sugar Vanillezucker, see notes
  • 1 cup 100g ground almonds or almond meal
  • 1 egg yolk
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  • In a stand mixer, combine flour, butter, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tbsp of vanilla sugar, ground almonds, egg yolk, and salt. Beat until smooth.
  • Divide dough into 3 portions, roll into cylinders, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least one hour (or up to 48 hours).
  • Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Slice dough into 1/2-inch pieces, roll each into 2-inch logs, taper the ends, and form crescents. Place on baking sheets.
  • Bake for 10-15 minutes until lightly browned at the edges. Let cool for 1-2 minutes.
  • Mix the remaining confectioners' sugar and vanilla sugar. Gently dredge warm cookies in the sugar and place them on a rack to cool.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

Notes

Ground almonds are traditional, but you can use ground hazelnuts or walnuts. Walnuts will create a moister cookie.
If you want the sandiest texture, use almond meal or finely ground almonds.

How to Make Vanillezucker (Vanilla Sugar)

Vanillezucker (vanilla sugar) is an essential ingredient in many European pastries, and making your own is easy.  This is more than you need for this recipe, but it’s hard to make a smaller batch, and you can use it in other European cookies.

Ingredients for Vanilla Sugar (Vanillezucker)

  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)

Instructions

  1. Cut the vanilla bean into quarters and place it in the bowl of a food processor with the sugar.
  2. Process until the vanilla bean is finely ground and the sugar is speckled with the tiny vanilla bits. The sugar should become powdery.
  3. Transfer to an airtight container and store indefinitely. The longer it sits, the more fragrant it becomes!