Vanilla Crescent Cookies (Vanillekipferl)

There’s a reason why Vanillekipferl holds a special place in holiday baking traditions across Europe. These delicate crescent-shaped cookies are buttery, nutty, and perfectly sweetened with a dusting of vanilla sugar. They’re a true testament to simple ingredients creating something extraordinary. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe for Vanillekipferl is foolproof and guaranteed to bring a little magic to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Vanilla Crescent Cookies:

For the Cookie Dough:

• Unsalted Butter (cold): Brings a rich, buttery flavor to the dough, essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough subtly and contributes to the tender texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base structure of the cookies.
• Ground almonds or hazelnuts: Adds a nutty flavor and soft texture to the cookies.

For Rolling:

• Granulated sugar: Combines with vanilla to coat the cookies.
• Vanilla sugar: Enhances the flavor and aroma, creating the signature vanilla coating.

Making Your Own Vanilla Sugar

If you don’t have ready-made vanilla sugar, don’t worry—you can easily make it at home! Simply take a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise, and scrape out the seeds. Mix the seeds and the pod with a jar of granulated sugar. Let the mixture sit for at least a week for the vanilla flavor to infuse the sugar. You’ll have a fragrant and versatile ingredient that’s perfect for all kinds of baking.

You’ll need the following tools for making the Vanilla Crescent Cookies:

• Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for combining the cookie dough ingredients and smaller ones for measuring.
• Measuring Scale: To accurately measure all your ingredients in grams.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugars, and mixing the dough.
• Baking Sheet: For baking the cookies.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet, preventing the cookies from sticking.
• Cooling Rack: For allowing the cookies to cool evenly after baking.

Here is the full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 380 g (3 cups) all-purpose flour (type 550)
• 80 g (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) granulated sugar
• 200 g (7 oz or 14 tbsp) cold butter, cubed
• 200 g (2 cups) ground almonds or hazelnuts (I used almonds)

For rolling:

• 80 g (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) granulated sugar
• 3 packets (24 g or 2 3/4 tbsp) of vanilla sugar (or homemade vanilla sugar)

Directions:

Make the Cookie Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and ground almonds. Add the cold, cubed butter and quickly knead the mixture with your hands or a pastry cutter until it forms a smooth dough. It’s important to work swiftly to avoid warming the butter too much, as cold butter ensures a flaky and tender cookie.
2. Once the dough comes together, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least one hour. This resting period allows the butter to solidify again, making the dough easier to shape and bake.

Preheat the Oven:

1. Set your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Shape the Cookies:

1. Take the chilled dough out of the fridge and tear off small portions. Roll each portion into a small log about 6-8 cm (2-3 inches) long, tapering the ends slightly. Gently curve the log into a crescent shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake to Perfection:

1. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until they’re slightly golden around the edges. Be careful not to overbake them, as you want them to remain tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
2. Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for about 3 minutes after baking; this helps them firm up slightly and prevents them from breaking when handled.

Coat in Vanilla Sugar:

1. While the cookies are still warm, carefully roll them in the vanilla sugar mixture. Warm cookies adhere better to the sugar, ensuring every bite is coated in that sweet, aromatic vanilla goodness.

Cool and Enjoy:

1. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they’ll have a delicate texture and a crumbly bite that’s simply irresistible.

Tips & Tricks:

Tips for the Cookies:

• Cold Butter is Key: Cold butter is essential for the delicate, crumbly texture of Vanillekipferl. Avoid overworking the dough, as the heat from your hands can soften the butter too much.
• Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Roll Gently: The crescent shape is iconic, but it’s also delicate. Roll and curve the dough with care to avoid cracks.
• Dust While Warm: Coating the cookies in vanilla sugar while they’re warm ensures the sugar sticks evenly.

Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Christmas

1. Classic Holiday Tradition: Vanillekipferl are deeply rooted in European Christmas traditions, particularly in Austria and Germany, making them a nostalgic treat for many families. Their crescent shape and delicate flavor bring a sense of history and authenticity to your festive table.
2. Warm, Cozy Flavors: The combination of buttery richness, nutty almonds or hazelnuts, and the fragrant sweetness of vanilla creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and indulgent—perfect for cold winter days and holiday gatherings.
3. Elegant and Festive Appearance: Their crescent shape and snowy sugar coating make them look like little edible snowflakes. They add a touch of elegance to any cookie platter, making them perfect for gifting or serving at Christmas parties.
4. Easy to Share and Gift: Vanillekipferl are sturdy enough to be packed into gift boxes but delicate enough to melt in your mouth. This makes them ideal for sharing as homemade gifts, spreading the Christmas cheer.
5. Simple Yet Special: These cookies use everyday ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour but feel special because of the vanilla and nutty flavors. They showcase how simple recipes can create unforgettable treats.

Vanillekipferl isn’t just a cookie; it’s a tradition. Baking these crescents fills your home with the comforting aroma of butter, nuts, and vanilla. Sharing them with friends and family is a way to spread joy and celebrate the season. Plus, they’re versatile—you can make them ahead of time, store them in a tin, and enjoy them throughout the holidays.

More Christmas Baking Ideas:

• Grinch Crinkle Cookies – These bright green cookies are fun, festive, and finished with a sweet sugar heart, making them the perfect treat to spread Christmas cheer.
• Santa Hat Cookies – Adorable and delicious, these Linzer-style cookies are filled with fruity jam and topped with icing for the perfect Santa hat look.
• Melted Snowman Cookies – Fun and whimsical, these sugar cookies feature melted marshmallows and chocolate decorations for a snowman that’s sure to melt your heart.
• Marbled Chocolate Christmas Cookies – Elegant and easy, these buttery cookies are decorated with swirls of white and dark chocolate for a dazzling holiday treat.
• Cinnamon Stars (Zimtsterne) – A German Christmas classic, these star-shaped cookies are made with almonds, hazelnuts, and a sweet glaze, delivering a taste of tradition with every bite.

Watch the recipe video here. Let’s get to baking! Here is the full recipe: