Hungarian Kifli with Date-Pecan Filling
Kick off your holiday season with these delightful Hungarian Kifli, a cherished Christmas cookie that combines the richness of cream cheese and butter pastry with a luscious filling of dates and pecans. Inspired by my grandmother's original recipe, these kifli are not only easier to make but also bursting with flavor. The dough, creamy and flaky, pairs perfectly with the sweet and nutty filling, making each bite a delightful experience. Once you try these, they may become your new holiday tradition. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sneaking a few bites before they're even on the serving platter!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/2 lb (softened)
Cream Cheese
1/2 lb (softened)
All-Purpose Flour
2 cups (unbleached)
Chopped Pecans
2 cups (finely chopped)
Chopped Dates
1 cup (pitted and chopped)
Orange Juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed)
Sugar
3 tablespoons (granulated)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Hungarian Kifli with Date-Pecan Filling?
Hungarian Kifli are traditional crescent-shaped cookies featuring a rich cream cheese and butter pastry filled with a sweet and nutty date-pecan mixture, often served during the Christmas season.
What ingredients are needed for the kifli dough?
The dough is made from just three simple ingredients: 1/2 lb of softened butter, 1/2 lb of softened cream cheese, and 2 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour.
What is in the filling for these cookies?
The filling consists of 2 cups of finely chopped pecans, 1 cup of pitted and chopped dates, 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, and 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
Is this a traditional family recipe?
Yes, this recipe is inspired by the creator's grandmother's original recipe, modified to be easier to make while maintaining the same delicious flavor.
What is the texture of the Hungarian Kifli?
The pastry is described as both creamy and flaky, providing a perfect contrast to the sweet and nutty filling.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 lb of butter, which should be softened before mixing.
Should the cream cheese be cold or softened?
The cream cheese should be softened to ensure it incorporates smoothly with the butter and flour.
What type of flour is best for these cookies?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour.
How should the pecans be prepared?
The pecans should be finely chopped so they fit easily inside the delicate pastry crescents.
What kind of dates should I use?
You should use pitted dates that have been chopped into small pieces for the filling.
Why is orange juice used in the filling?
The 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice adds moisture to the filling and a bright citrus note that complements the dates and pecans.
Is there sugar in the dough?
No, there is no sugar in the dough itself; the sweetness comes from the filling, which contains 3 tablespoons of sugar and the natural sweetness of the dates.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 ingredients: butter, cream cheese, flour, pecans, dates, orange juice, and sugar.
Is this a good recipe for the holidays?
Absolutely! It is characterized as a cherished Christmas cookie and a great addition to holiday traditions.
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
While fresh-squeezed is recommended for the best flavor, bottled orange juice can be used as a substitute if fresh is unavailable.
Are these cookies hard to make?
This specific version of the recipe is designed to be easier to make than the original traditional versions.
What makes the filling 'luscious'?
The combination of the natural sugars in the dates, the crunch of the pecans, and the acidity of the orange juice creates a rich and flavorful filling.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
While the recipe specifies pecans, walnuts are a common substitute in Hungarian kifli and would work well with the date filling.
What category of food does this fall into?
These are categorized as Christmas cookies, holiday desserts, and sweet pastries.
Is the dough a yeast dough or a pastry dough?
This is a pastry dough based on cream cheese and butter, which creates a flaky, non-yeasted crust.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
There are 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar in the filling.
What is the ratio of butter to cream cheese in the dough?
The recipe uses an equal 1:1 ratio of butter (1/2 lb) to cream cheese (1/2 lb).
Does this recipe contain eggs?
No, based on the ingredient list, this recipe is egg-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients (1 lb butter, 1 lb cream cheese, 4 cups flour, etc.) to make a larger batch for holiday gifting.
Are these cookies vegetarian?
Yes, these cookies are vegetarian, though they contain dairy (butter and cream cheese).
What makes these cookies 'bursting with flavor'?
The combination of the rich dairy-based pastry and the nutty, citrus-infused date filling ensures every bite is flavorful.
How fine should I chop the dates?
Dates should be chopped small enough to mix evenly with the pecans and orange juice to form a spreadable or scoopable paste.
What is the main holiday associated with this recipe?
This recipe is primarily associated with Christmas and holiday baking traditions.
Can the dough be made in advance?
Pastry doughs made with cream cheese and butter typically benefit from chilling, so making it in advance is usually a great idea.
Are Hungarian Kifli also known by other names?
In various regions, similar crescent cookies are known as Kifla, Kiflice, or Rugelach, though the ingredients and fillings can vary.