Vanilla Crescent Cookies -Vanillekipferl
- felichiccuisine
- Nov 25
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Vanillekipferl, the traditional Austrian cookies, are a true symbol of elegance and the winter holiday season.
Vanilla Crescent Cookies, or classic Vanillekipferl, are beloved European Christmas cookies made with buttery dough, finely ground almonds, and real vanilla. These delicate, crescent-shaped treats have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a light, snowy coating of vanilla sugar. Perfect for holiday baking, gift boxes, or cosy winter moments, this simple and authentic Vanillekipferl recipe is ideal for anyone who loves elegant, delicate Christmas cookies full of traditional flavour.
What are Vanillekipferl? A Bit of History
Vanillekipferl have their origins in Vienna, Austria, around 400 years ago. Legend has it that they were created to celebrate a victory over the Ottoman Turks, inspired by the crescent shape on the Turkish flag.
Today, these delicate, crumbly cookies are a festive favorite throughout Austria, Germany, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia, appearing on Christmas tables and in coffee houses alike.
Why I Love Making Them
I discovered this recipe during my time in Germany, and it quickly became a holiday favorite. There’s something magical about preparing Vanillekipferl: the soft, buttery dough, the sweet scent of almonds, and the delicate hint of vanilla fill the kitchen, instantly creating a cozy, festive atmosphere.
They are traditional and elegant, bringing a touch of timeless charm to any festive table. Every bite carries the warmth, nostalgia, and simple joy of Christmas, making them a treat to share with loved ones or enjoy quietly by yourself.
Why Vanillekipferl Are So Loved
Vanillekipferl aren’t just simple cookies; they have a special charm that makes them one of the most cherished Christmas treats across Europe:
✔ Their unique texture: These cookies are incredibly tender, delicate, and literally melt in your mouth thanks to the buttery dough and finely ground almonds. Few cookies offer such a soft, airy bite.
✔ Real vanilla aroma: Using natural vanilla gives them a warm, elegant, beautifully fragrant flavour — absolutely perfect for the winter season.
✔ The vanilla sugar coating: A generous dusting of vanilla sugar adds a fine sweetness and creates that lovely “Christmas snowfall” look everyone adores.
✔ Their elegant shape: The crescent form is simple yet refined, making Vanillekipferl ideal for gift boxes, cookie platters, or festive displays.
✔ Tradition and nostalgia: These cookies are wrapped in stories, memories, and holiday rituals. They bring that cosy, comforting “home for Christmas” feeling with every bite.
✔ Made with just a few ingredients: Despite their delicate flavour, they come together using only a handful of simple, humble ingredients.
You might also like to try: Christmas Cookies - Vanilla Biscuits - Sablés de Noël
How to Make Vanilla Crescent Cookies (Vanillekipferl)
Prepare the Dough:
✔ In a mixing bowl, cream together room-temperature butter, sifted icing sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
✔ Add the seeds from 2 vanilla pods (or 2 tsp vanilla extract) and the zest of ½ a lemon.
✔ Gradually mix in sifted flour and ground almonds.
✔ Finally, incorporate egg whites to form a soft, pliable dough.
✔ Shape the dough into a long, even roll and wrap it in baking paper.
✔ Chill it for at least 1 hour; this firms the dough and makes it easy to slice into small, even pieces that are perfect for shaping the Vanillekipferl.
Shape the Cookies:
✔ Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
✔ Cut small pieces of dough, roll them into balls;
✔ Shape into short logs, and gently bend each one into a crescent.
Bake:
✔ Arrange the crescents on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden at the edges.
✔ Once baking, leave the cookies on the tray for about 1 minute.
✔ Handle the cookies with care. They’re soft and delicate while warm and can break or crumble if moved too quickly.
Dust with Sugar:
✔ While still warm, carefully roll the cookies in a mixture of icing sugar and Bourbon vanilla sugar (or regular vanilla sugar) for a delicate, sweet finish.
These buttery, fragrant, and elegant cookies are a simple way to bring festive cheer to your home. Making Vanillekipferl each Christmas is my little tradition, and I hope they bring as much joy to your holiday season as they do to mine.
Tips for Perfect Vanillekipferl:
✔ Ensure your butter is soft but not melted; this keeps the dough crumbly yet manageable.
✔ Chill the dough slightly if it feels too soft to shape.
✔ Use high-quality vanilla; it makes a huge difference in aroma and flavor.
✔ Handle cookies gently after baking; they are delicate and crumble easily.
✔ Store in an airtight tin for up to two weeks; their flavor improves after a day as the sugar melts slightly into the cookie.
Many traditional recipes call for egg yolks, which make the dough softer and easier to shape. But I prefer using only the egg whites; they create a lighter, looser crumb and give the cookies that wonderfully delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture I love.
Love this recipe? Please leave a comment and star rating. ★★★★★ Your feedback, suggestions, and adaptations are very helpful to other bakers!
Recipe
Enjoy!
“Christmas now surrounds us, Happiness is everywhere. Our hands are busy with many tasks as carols fill the air."― Shirley Sallay
Have you tried making this Vanilla Crescent Cookies,Vanillekipferl? I'd love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts and any creative twists you added to the recipe in the comments below. Or, tag me on Instagram (@FeliChic'Cuisine) when you post your recipe creations. Let's inspire each other. Thank You!
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