Vanilla Kifli Cookies – recipesshubb

Vanilla Kifli Cookies – Buttery, Tender, and Perfectly Sweet

Vanilla Kifli Cookies are a traditional Central European treat, particularly popular in Hungarian, Austrian, and Czech baking. These crescent-shaped cookies are soft, buttery, and lightly sweet, with a delicate hint of vanilla. Perfect for holidays, tea time, or gifting, Kifli cookies melt in your mouth and are simple to make at home.

Their iconic crescent shape and powdered sugar coating give them a charming, elegant look while keeping the flavor delightfully light.

Ingredients

1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (60 g) finely chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts)
Powdered sugar, for rolling

Time and Temperature

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes (optional, for easier handling)
Baking Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

Oven Temperature

180°C (350°F)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and chopped nuts. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Optional: Chill the dough for 30 minutes to make rolling and shaping easier.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

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

Take small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll into small logs, then shape them into crescents. Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each.

Step 3: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking—they should remain pale for a tender texture.

Step 4: Coat with Powdered Sugar

Allow cookies to cool slightly for 5–10 minutes. While still warm, roll them in powdered sugar for a light, sweet coating. Once cooled completely, roll them again for a thicker dusting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with tea or coffee for an afternoon treat
Perfect for holiday gift boxes
Arrange on a dessert platter for parties or gatherings

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw and re-coat with powdered sugar before serving

Tips for Perfect Vanilla Kifli Cookies

Use softened butter, not melted, for better texture
Chill dough if it’s too sticky to shape
Don’t overbake—these cookies should be tender, not crisp
Roll in powdered sugar while warm for better adherence

Variations

Nut-Free: Omit nuts or substitute with seeds
Almond Vanilla Kifli: Use finely ground almonds for a richer flavor
Chocolate-Dusted: Lightly dip ends in melted chocolate
Mini Kifli: Make bite-sized versions for tea parties

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of butter, egg yolk, and finely chopped nuts creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while warm adds the signature sweet coating and enhances their soft, delicate flavor.

Conclusion

Vanilla Kifli Cookies are a timeless treat that’s as charming as it is delicious. Their buttery texture, nutty undertones, and delicate vanilla flavor make them a favorite for holidays, tea time, or everyday indulgence. With a simple recipe and a few careful steps, you can bring a piece of Central European baking tradition into your kitchen and impress family and friends with these elegant, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.