Vanillekipferl

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Vanillekipferl are the kind of cookies that instantly transport you to a cozy European Christmas market, with snow softly falling and the scent of roasted nuts in the air. These delicate crescent-shaped vanilla cookies, made traditionally with ground almonds or hazelnuts, are rolled in a generous layer of vanilla sugar that melts in your mouth. Their crumbly, buttery texture and subtle nutty flavor make them irresistible with a cup of tea or mulled wine.

What sets Vanillekipferl apart is their old-world charm. They aren’t showy or overly sweet. They’re humble cookies, but each bite delivers warmth, tradition, and a little holiday magic. Whether you grew up eating them or are making them for the first time, they carry a timeless appeal that’s impossible to ignore.

Why You’ll Love This Vanillekipferl

These cookies are a quiet delight—soft, crumbly, and rich with real vanilla flavor. Vanillekipferl are ideal for gifting or adding to your holiday cookie tray. You only need a handful of ingredients, and they come together beautifully without the need for frosting, fillings, or special equipment. They’re also freezer-friendly, so you can make a batch ahead of time and always have a nostalgic treat on hand.

What Kind of Nuts Should I Use in Vanillekipferl?

Traditionally, Vanillekipferl are made with either ground almonds or hazelnuts, depending on the region. Ground almonds give a delicate, sweet richness, while hazelnuts offer a deeper, toasty note. Both work wonderfully, so go with what you love—or what you have in the pantry. Just make sure the nuts are finely ground for the most tender texture.

Ingredients for the Vanillekipferl

The beauty of Vanillekipferl is in their simplicity. With just a few quality ingredients, you create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Butter
  Unsalted butter is the base of the dough and gives the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• All-purpose flour
  The main structure of the cookie, flour binds everything together while keeping them light.
• Ground almonds (or hazelnuts)
  These give the cookies their classic nutty flavor and delicate crumb.
• Powdered sugar
  Used both in the dough and for the final dusting. It adds sweetness without grit.
• Vanilla sugar
  Essential for that unmistakable vanilla aroma and flavor—especially for coating the warm cookies.
• Egg yolk
  Helps bind the dough and enriches the texture without making the cookies cakey.
• Salt
  Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavor.

How To Make the Vanillekipferl

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the flour, ground almonds, powdered sugar, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and the egg yolk. Knead quickly with your hands or use a food processor until the dough just comes together. It should be smooth but not sticky.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps the butter firm up and the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Shape the Crescents

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut off small pieces of dough and roll them into small logs. Curve each into a crescent and place them on the baking sheet with a bit of space in between.

Step 4: Bake Until Lightly Golden

Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. They should not brown completely—Vanillekipferl are meant to stay pale and delicate.

Step 5: Coat in Vanilla Sugar

While still warm, gently toss the cookies in a mixture of powdered sugar and vanilla sugar. Be careful, as they’re fragile when hot. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

How to Serve and Store Vanillekipferl

Vanillekipferl are best served with coffee, tea, or a holiday drink like mulled wine. Their tender texture and aromatic vanilla coating make them a delightful afternoon pick-me-up or a charming finish to a festive dinner.

This recipe makes about 40 small cookies and can serve 8 to 10 people depending on how generous you are with sharing! Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze the uncoated cookies and dust them after thawing.

What to Serve With Vanillekipferl?

Pair with Warm Beverages

Vanillekipferl go beautifully with hot drinks—try them with black tea, coffee, or a spiced chai latte.

Serve Alongside Fruit Compote

The mild sweetness of these cookies pairs wonderfully with tangy fruit like cherry or plum compote.

Add to a Dessert Platter

Mix them with other European cookies, shortbread, and chocolate-dipped treats for a cozy cookie tray.

Drizzle with Melted Chocolate

For a modern twist, dip one end of each crescent in dark chocolate and let it set.

Enjoy with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes them into full dessert territory.

Include in Gift Boxes

They make a beautiful edible gift layered between parchment in a festive tin.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you adore Vanillekipferl, you’ll likely fall in love with these Luna Meals favorites too:

• Try the buttery charm of Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts for a quick, nostalgic treat.
• Don’t miss the comforting Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies—no bake, no stress.
• For a citrusy contrast, check out our Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe that’s rich yet refreshing.
• Cozy up with Small Batch Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls—the ultimate pairing with cookies.
• Love layered bars? You’ll be obsessed with Rhubarb Shortbread Bars.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments if you opted for hazelnuts or almonds—did you go classic or modern with chocolate? I love seeing how these vintage cookies take on new life in different kitchens.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks, hearty meals, and nostalgic desserts on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find your next favorite comfort bite.

Conclusion

Vanillekipferl are proof that simplicity can be sublime. With just a few ingredients and a gentle touch, you can bake a traditional European cookie that carries history, heart, and a whole lot of flavor. Whether for the holidays or an ordinary afternoon, they offer a sweet pause from the everyday.

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