Vanilla Crescent Cookies, or Vanillekipferl, are a classic holiday treat that is delicate, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. These crescent-shaped cookies are traditionally made with a rich dough that combines flour, butter, and ground nuts, often almonds or walnuts, which give them a nutty flavor and a soft texture. After baking, the cookies are dusted generously with powdered sugar, creating a sweet, fragrant coating. Their light, crumbly texture and irresistible vanilla flavor make them perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup ground almonds or walnuts
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, ground almonds (or walnuts), powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the softened butter and vanilla extract. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix the ingredients together until the dough begins to form. It may seem a bit crumbly at first, but continue working it until it comes together into a smooth dough.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once the dough has chilled, take small portions and roll them into small logs (about 1-2 inches long) and then curve them into crescent shapes. Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them as they bake quickly and you want them to stay light in color.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar, making sure they are well coated. For extra flavor, you can also add a little vanilla sugar to the powdered sugar for dusting.
- Serve: Once fully cooled, the Vanilla Crescent Cookies are ready to serve. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
These Vanilla Crescent Cookies are a delightful treat with a soft, buttery texture and the perfect balance of sweetness. The nutty flavor and the vanilla-sugar coating make them a holiday favorite that will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire.
