Ah, Vanilla Kifli Cookies—a classic European treat! These are delicate, crescent-shaped cookies filled with a rich vanilla sugar or nut filling, buttery, slightly crumbly, and perfect with tea or coffee. Here’s a traditional recipe:
🍪 Vanilla Kifli Cookies (Hungarian / Austrian Style)
🛒 Ingredients (for ~30 cookies)
For the dough:
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2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
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1 large egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
For the filling:
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1/4 cup (50 g) sugar
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1 tsp vanilla sugar (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
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Optional: 1/2 cup finely ground walnuts or almonds
For finishing:
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Powdered sugar for dusting
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the dough
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In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
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Cut in cold butter until mixture is crumbly.
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Add egg and vanilla; knead gently until smooth.
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Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the filling
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Mix sugar, vanilla, and nuts (if using) in a small bowl.
3. Shape the cookies
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Roll dough into small balls (~1 inch).
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Flatten each ball slightly and place a pinch of filling in the center.
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Fold dough over filling and roll into a crescent shape.
4. Bake
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Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking tray.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
5. Finish
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Allow to cool slightly, then dust generously with powdered sugar.
💡 Tips
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Chill dough: Makes it easier to handle and keeps cookies tender.
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Optional nuts: Almonds or walnuts give a slightly richer, traditional flavor.
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Make ahead: These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to a week.
If you want, I can also give a modern twist on Vanilla Kifli Cookies—like chocolate-dipped ends, fruit jams, or a crispier version that still melts in your mouth.