Description
Crumbly, buttery, and coated in powdered sugar, Vanillekipferl are traditional Austrian vanilla crescent cookies that melt in your mouth. Perfect for holiday baking or cozy winter days, this easy recipe is made with ground almonds and rich vanilla flavor. Whether you’re looking for quick dessert ideas, European cookie recipes, or a nostalgic holiday treat, Vanillekipferl delivers every time. Great for gifting, snacking, or pairing with tea—this is an easy recipe you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup finely ground almonds (or hazelnuts)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for the dough)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract or seeds from 1 vanilla bean
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla sugar (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, ground almonds, powdered sugar, and salt. Add cubed butter and vanilla, then mix with hands or pastry cutter until soft dough forms.
2. Form dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Roll small pieces of dough into 2-inch logs and curve into crescent shapes. Place on prepared sheet.
5. Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden (cookies should remain pale).
6. While still warm, transfer cookies gently to a wire rack and dust generously with powdered sugar and vanilla sugar.
7. Allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Notes
Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent the cookies from spreading and to make shaping easier.
Use real vanilla bean for a more intense aroma, especially if you’re skipping vanilla sugar.
Always dust while warm—not hot—for the perfect powdered sugar coating without melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Austrian / German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg