Vanillekipferl
(Wiener Vanille Kipferl, Vanille Kipferl, Vanilice, Vanilin Kiflice, Viennese Crescent Cookies)
Commonly found throughout Austria, Hungary, and Germany, vanillekipferl are traditional, sweet, crescent-shaped cookies consisting of flour, sugar, butter, and vanilla. The cookies often contain ground nuts such as hazelnuts, almonds, or walnuts.
According to a popular theory, the cookies were invented in the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. When the empire's army defeated the Turkish army at Vienna in 1683, the city's bakers celebrated the victory by shaping the kipferls into crescents - mimicking the characteristical shape found on the Turkish flag.
Today, vanillekipferl are especially popular around Christmastime, when they are dusted with powdered sugar or dipped in chocolate.
Recipe variations
Traditional Vanillekipferl
READY IN 1hThis authentic vanillekipferl recipe is adapted from austria.info, the website of The Austrian Tourist Board. The recipe makes between 30 and 40 cookies.
Foolproof Vanillekipferl Cookies
READY IN 2hThe following recipe brings a straightforward and unpretentious approach to the beloved Austrian vanillekipferl. The gently crescent-shaped cookies, made from a simple blend of butter, flour, eggs, powdered sugar, milk, walnuts, and a hint of vanilla, offer a subtle and comforting sweetness. The dough is easily worked into characteristic shapes, baked to a light golden hue, and, while still warm, lovingly coated in vanilla-infused sugar for that classic, sweet finish. The recipe is courtesy of Ursula Schersch, a writer, cookbook author, and food blogger who stands behind the blog L'il Vienna, among other things and specializes in Austrian and world cuisine. The recipe will yield 80-100 cookies.
Vanillekipferl Authentic recipe
This authentic vanillekipferl recipe is adapted from austria.info, the website of The Austrian Tourist Board. The recipe makes between 30 and 40 cookies.
WHERE TO EAT The best Vanillekipferl in the world (according to food experts)
