As the holiday season approaches, one essential delight you can't overlook is cookies! Among the traditional German favourites are the delicious Vanillekipferl, or vanilla crescent cookies. They’re incredibly simple to make and taste absolutely divine!
For the Dough, You’ll Need:
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch of baking powder
- 100 g sugar or powdered sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 2 medium egg yolks
- 200 g butter
- 100 g ground almonds
For the Powdered Sugar Mixture:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
Instructions:
Step 1:
In a bowl, cream the butter and egg yolks together using a mixer. Sift the flour and baking powder into the mixture. Then, add the sugar, vanilla sugar, salt, and ground almonds, kneading everything into a smooth dough.
Step 2:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Step 3:
Once the dough has rested, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for conventional heat or 160°C (320°F) for fan-assisted. Divide the dough into four portions. Take each portion from the fridge and shape it into small crescent cookies. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 8 minutes.
Step 4:
While the cookies bake, mix the powdered sugar and vanilla sugar in a bowl. After baking, gently roll the warm cookies in the sugar mixture and let them cool on a rack or plate. Depending on how large you make them, you’ll yield about 60-100 Vanillekipferl—perfect for sharing or indulging yourself! Our linen bread bag is also an excellent option for storing these treats.
Pro Tip:
If you want to gift a baking enthusiast, consider layering the dry ingredients in a glass jar. Make sure to add the ingredients in the correct order for a beautiful layered effect. Write down the missing ingredients (butter and egg yolks) and the preparation instructions on a small note, and tie it to the jar with a ribbon for a charming Christmas gift!
And if you find your oven needs a good clean after all the baking, we’ve got you covered! Our ph-neutral detergent is the perfect solution. Simply spray the entire oven from a distance of 20-30 cm and let the foam sit for 1 hour. Wipe it away with some steel wool and a damp cloth, and your oven will look like new!
Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with warmth and joy!
