Vanilla kipfel (almond crescents)
Vanilla Kipfel, or almond crescents, are delicate, buttery cookies with a rich almond flavor. Made from ground almonds, flour, and egg yolks, these crescent-shaped treats are rolled in a sugar coating after baking for a delightful finish.
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 30 min
Ingredients:
1 cup almonds1 cup all-purpose white wheat flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 yolks
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup sugar
Vanilla Kipfel, also known as almond crescents, are a delightful and delicate cookie that hails from Central Europe. These traditional treats are renowned for their buttery texture and rich almond flavor, making them perfect for holidays or any special occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create these exquisite cookies right in your kitchen. Let's dive into the steps to make these delicious Vanilla Kipfels.
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Place the almonds in a food processor and grind them until they form a fine meal. Be careful not to over-process them into almond butter. If you don't have a food processor, you can use almond flour as a substitute.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, all-purpose white wheat flour, and 1/3 cup of granulated sugar. Stir to combine well.
- In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Add the vanilla extract to the yolks and mix.
- Pour the yolk mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using your hands, gently knead the mixture until it forms a smooth dough. If the dough is too dry, you can add a teaspoon of water at a time until it comes together.
- Take small portions of the dough (about the size of a small walnut) and roll them into logs about 2 inches long. Taper the ends slightly and bend them into crescent shapes. Place the crescents on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake the crescents in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.
- While the kipfel are baking, mix the powdered sugar with the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar in a shallow bowl.
- Once the kipfel are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet. While they are still warm, gently roll them in the sugar mixture until they are fully coated. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once fully cooled, serve these delightful almond crescents with a cup of coffee or tea. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Making Vanilla Kipfel at home is a rewarding experience that results in a batch of tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. These almond crescents are sure to impress with their delightful flavor and delicate appearance. Whether you serve them at a festive gathering or enjoy them with a cup of tea, Vanilla Kipfels are a timeless treat that everyone will love. Enjoy your baking!
Vanilla kipfel (almond crescents) FAQ:
Bake the Vanilla Kipfel in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure the edges turn golden but do not burn.
The cookies are done when the edges begin to turn golden. They should still be soft to touch, as they will firm up upon cooling.
Yes, you can substitute almonds with another finely ground nut, such as hazelnuts or walnuts. However, this may alter the flavor and texture of the cookies.
Store the leftover Vanilla Kipfel in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their freshness.
Yes, you can make the dough in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality almonds.: To enhance the almond flavor, make sure to use fresh almonds and grind them finely for the best texture.
- Chill the dough.: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping the crescents to make it easier to handle and to maintain the shape while baking.
- Dust with powdered sugar while warm.: For an authentic touch, roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still warm so that the sugar adheres well and melts slightly on the surface.
- Don't over-bake.: Keep an eye on the cookies while they are in the oven. They should be lightly golden but not brown. Over-baking can cause them to lose their delicate texture.
- Store properly.: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week and even improve in flavor over time.
Nutrition per serving
6 ServingsCalories 400kcal
Protein 8g
Carbohydrates 70g
Fiber 3.12g
Sugar 50g
Fat 12g
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