Authentic German Vanilla Almond Crescents
Indulge in an authentic German treat with these Vanilla Almond Crescents, a traditional delight often found on holiday tables in Germany. With their rich vanilla aroma and delicate almond flavor, these cookies are perfect for Christmas gatherings or any special occasion. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture will have your family and friends reaching for more. This recipe includes a homemade vanilla sugar for a truly genuine taste experience. Though preparation involves a little patience, the delightful reward is well worth the wait!
20
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
vanilla beans
2 (split and scraped)
icing sugar
110g + extra for sprinkling (sifted)
flour
250g (sifted)
salt
1 pinch
butter
210g (cut into cubes)
ground almonds
100g
Instructions
1
1. Prepare Vanilla Sugar: Cut the vanilla beans lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Mix the vanilla seeds with the icing sugar in a small bowl. Set aside.
2
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour and add a pinch of salt. Cut the butter into cubes, then add to the flour along with 70 grams of the homemade vanilla sugar and the ground almonds.
3
3. Combine Ingredients: Using your hands, mix to form a smooth dough, ensuring the butter is fully incorporated. Knead gently to bring everything together.
4
4. Refrigerate: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to firm up.
5
5. Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
6
6. Shape the Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into a long sausage about 1 cm (1/2 inch) in diameter. Cut into 7 cm (3 inch) sections, then carefully bend each to form a crescent shape.
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7. Bake: Place the crescents on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crescents are a light golden brown.
8
8. Finishing Touch: Remove the baked crescents from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. When still warm, gently roll them in the remaining homemade vanilla sugar.
9
9. Final Presentation: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, you can sprinkle them with additional sifted icing sugar for an extra festive touch, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the traditional name for these German cookies?
These are known as Vanillekipferl, a classic German Christmas treat.
What makes these Vanilla Almond Crescents authentic?
The use of ground almonds, high-quality butter, and homemade vanilla sugar made from real vanilla beans makes them truly authentic.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
This recipe yields approximately 20 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
You will need vanilla beans, icing sugar, flour, salt, butter, and ground almonds.
How do I make the homemade vanilla sugar?
Scrape the seeds from two vanilla beans and mix them with 110 grams of icing sugar.
Why is the dough refrigerated for 1 to 2 hours?
Refrigeration firms up the butter in the dough, which makes it easier to shape and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) for baking these cookies.
How do I shape the dough into crescents?
Roll the dough into a 1 cm diameter sausage, cut into 7 cm sections, and gently bend each piece into a crescent shape.
How long should I bake the cookies?
Bake them for 10 to 15 minutes or until they reach a light golden brown color.
When should I roll the cookies in vanilla sugar?
Roll the cookies in the sugar while they are still warm so that the sugar adheres properly.
Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla beans?
While beans are traditional for the best flavor and appearance, you can substitute with high-quality vanilla extract or paste if necessary.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
Standard all-purpose flour works best, and it should be sifted for a delicate texture.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
It is recommended to use a parchment-lined baking sheet rather than greasing it to prevent sticking.
What is the texture of these cookies?
They have a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to the high butter and almond content.
How should I store the finished cookies?
Store them in an airtight container, preferably a tin, to keep them crisp and fresh.
Are these cookies specifically for Christmas?
They are a traditional German holiday staple but can be enjoyed for any special occasion.
What can I do if the cookies are breaking when I roll them in sugar?
The cookies are very fragile when hot. Let them cool slightly but ensure they are still warm to the touch before rolling.
Should the butter be cold or at room temperature?
The recipe calls for cutting the butter into cubes and incorporating it into the flour, so cold or slightly softened butter is best.
Can I use almond flour instead of ground almonds?
Yes, almond flour and ground almonds are essentially the same and will work perfectly.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, a single pinch of salt is added to the flour to enhance the flavors.
What is the final decorative touch?
You can sprinkle the cooled cookies with extra sifted icing sugar for a festive, snowy appearance.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 key ingredients: vanilla beans, icing sugar, flour, salt, butter, and ground almonds.
What size should the dough sections be?
Cut the dough into sections approximately 7 cm (3 inches) long.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make them vegan, you would need to substitute the butter with a high-quality plant-based butter alternative.
Do I need an electric mixer for the dough?
No, the recipe specifies using your hands to form a smooth dough to ensure the butter is fully incorporated without overworking it.
What should I do with the empty vanilla bean pods?
You can place the empty pods in a jar of regular sugar to create even more vanilla-scented sugar for future use.
Why is sifting the icing sugar important?
Sifting removes lumps, ensuring the vanilla sugar and the final coating are smooth and even.
Can these cookies be frozen?
Yes, they freeze well in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How long do they stay fresh?
If stored properly in a cool, dry place, they can stay fresh for several weeks.
Is this a difficult recipe for beginners?
It requires some patience during shaping and handling, but the steps are straightforward enough for most bakers.