Vanillekipferl Recipe – Buttery Austrian Vanilla Crescent Cookies

Recipe Overview :

Cuisine	Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings	Key Ingredients	Best Enjoyed With	Storage	Special Tips
Austrian, European Baking	40 minutes (includes chilling)	12-15 minutes	~55 minutes	24-30 cookies	Butter, almonds, vanilla, powdered sugar	Coffee, tea, warm milk	Airtight container, lasts up to 2 weeks	Add cinnamon to sugar for a twist, perfect for gifting

Introduction: 

Spring is in the air, and what better way to celebrate than with Vanillekipferl, Austrian Vanilla Crescent Cookies that melt in your mouth? These delicate, buttery cookies, coated in vanilla sugar, are a timeless European classic, perfect for pairing with coffee or tea. Whether you're baking for a cozy afternoon or a special occasion, these irresistible crescents will bring warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen. Ready to bake some magic? Let’s go!

Ingredients :

For the Dough:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract from vanilla beans (available purchase)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely ground almonds (or hazelnuts)
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Vanilla Sugar Coating:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean powder mixed with powdered sugar)

Instructions :

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

·       In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.

·       Add the flour, ground almonds, and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Shape the Crescents

·       Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

·       Take small pieces of dough and roll them into log shapes (about 2 inches long), then bend them slightly to form crescent shapes.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

·       Place the crescents on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until lightly golden on the edges.

Step 4: Coat in Vanilla Sugar

·       While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in vanilla sugar and powdered sugar until fully coated. Let them cool completely.

 Serving Suggestions & Tips: 

✔ Best Served With: A cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of warm milk.
✔ Enhance the Flavor: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the sugar coating for a subtle spice twist.
✔ Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. The flavor deepens over time!
✔ Gift-Worthy: Pack them in a decorative tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Conclusion: 

These Vanillekipferl are more than just cookies, they’re a taste of tradition, warmth, and buttery perfection. Whether you're baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, each bite is a melt-in-your-mouth experience that brings pure joy. So why wait? Whip up a batch today and savor the simple pleasure of homemade goodness!