Vanillekipferl is a popular Austrian pastry made during the Christmas season. These crescent-shaped cookies are made with ground almonds, butter, sugar, and vanilla, and are dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. They are a traditional holiday treat in Austria, and are often served alongside other holiday favorites like Lebkuchen and Stollen.

Vanillekipferl is a delicate and buttery cookie that is perfect for the holiday season. The ground almonds in the dough give it a rich and nutty flavor, while the vanilla adds a sweet and fragrant aroma. These cookies are shaped into crescents, which make them visually appealing and a fun twist on traditional round cookies.

Vanillekipferl is a popular holiday cookie in Austria, and it's not hard to see why. With its delicate flavor and crumbly texture, it's the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee on a cold winter's day.

Here is a step-by-step method for making Vanillekipferl:

Ingredients:

1- 200g flour

2- 150g ground almonds

3- 100g sugar

4- 200g unsalted butter, softened

5- 1 egg yolk

6- 2 tsp vanilla extract

7- Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and ground almonds. Mix well and set aside.

2- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

3- Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, and mix until well combined.

4- Gradually add the flour and almond mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until a dough forms.

5- Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

6- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

7- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and break off small pieces, about the size of a walnut, and roll them into crescent shapes.

8- Place the crescent-shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown.

9- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.

10- Dust the cookies with powdered sugar while they are still warm, and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

11- Once the cookies are completely cool, dust them again with powdered sugar before serving.

Note:

1- Be sure to use unsalted butter in this recipe, as salted butter will affect the flavor of the cookies.

2- If you don't have ground almonds, you can grind whole almonds in a food processor until they are finely ground.

3- The dough for these cookies is quite delicate, so be gentle when shaping them into crescents.

Nutrition Facts:

Serving Size: 1 cookie

• Calories: 110
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 6g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 2g

200g Flour:

  - Calories: ~716 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: ~149g

  - Protein: ~20g

  - Fat: ~1g

  - Sodium: ~4mg

benefits:

• Source of Carbohydrates: Flour is a primary source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body.
• Dietary Fiber: Depending on the type, flour can contain dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.

150g Ground Almonds:

  - Calories: ~945 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: ~20g

  - Protein: ~35g

  - Fat: ~82g

  - Sodium: ~1mg

benefits:

• Healthy Fats: Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
• Protein: They provide a good source of plant-based protein, important for muscle repair and growth.

100g Sugar:

  - Calories: ~387 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: ~100g

  - Protein: ~0g

  - Fat: ~0g

  - Sodium: ~1mg

benefits:

• Quick Energy: Sugar provides a quick source of energy, though it should be consumed in moderation.
• Flavor Enhancement: Sugar enhances the sweetness of baked goods and balances flavors.

200g Unsalted Butter, Softened:

  - Calories: ~1,416 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: ~1g

  - Protein: ~2g

  - Fat: ~163g

  - Sodium: ~24mg

benefits:

• Source of Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Butter contains fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, essential for vision and immune health.
• Flavor and Texture: Butter adds richness and moisture to baked goods, enhancing their flavor and texture.

1 Egg Yolk:

  - Calories: ~55 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: ~0.6g

  - Protein: ~2.7g

  - Fat: ~4.5g

  - Sodium: ~8mg

benefits:

• Nutrient-Rich: Egg yolks are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium.
• Binding Agent: Egg yolks help bind ingredients together in baking and add richness and moisture to the final product.

2 tsp Vanilla Extract:

  - Calories: ~12 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: ~0.6g

  - Protein: ~0g

  - Fat: ~0g

  - Sodium: ~0mg

benefits:

• Antioxidants: Vanilla extract contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Flavor Enhancement: Vanilla extract adds a sweet and aromatic flavor to baked goods, enhancing their taste.

Powdered Sugar, for Dusting:

  - Calories: ~29 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: ~7.3g

  - Protein: ~0g

  - Fat: ~0g

  - Sodium: ~0mg

benefits:

• Aesthetic Appeal: Powdered sugar adds a decorative touch to baked goods, giving them an attractive appearance.
• Sweetness: It adds a subtle sweetness without the graininess of granulated sugar.

Please keep in mind that these values are approximations and can vary based on factors such as the exact composition of the ingredients and any variations in the recipe. If you're looking for precise nutritional information, it's recommended to use a specialized nutritional calculator or consult a registered dietitian.

Enjoy your homemade Vanillekipferl cookies!