Vanillekipferl is a real classic during Christmas time in Germany and Austria. Enjoy this buttery-tender vegan vanilla crescent cookie recipe during the holiday season… or even better: all year round! It is made with almond flour, and dusted with powdered vanilla sugar - yum!
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💡 The recipe in a nutshell
- Vegan (dairy free and no eggs)
- Prep in 15 minutes, Chill for 1 hour, Bake in 15 minutes
- German baking made plant-based
- Buttery, crumbly and soft
- Kid friendly
- Christmas recipe
👩🏽🍳 How to make Vanillekipferl
Making Vanillekipferl is super simple!
- In a mixing bowl combine dry ingredients.
- Then cut the butter into pieces and add it alongside vegan yogurt to dry ingredients. Then knead into a dough with your hands.
- Roll the dough into a 1.5-inch (3-4cm) thick log and cut it in half. Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the fridge for 1 hour (or overnight if wished).
- Lastly cut and shape chilled dough into moon shapes and bake!
- Dust right after baking when still hot, and once more when cooled completely.
🌙 How to shape Vanillekipferl
- Cut the chilled logs into ½-inch (1 cm) wide slices. Roll each slice into a small roll, making the ends a bit thinner. Bend the ends together, to form a moon shape. Put the shaped cookies on your prepared baking tray.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 - 15 minutes until the ends are slightly browned.
💭 Common questions
Where do I get vanilla sugar?
Vanilla sugar in German baking is very common. This vegan vanillekipferl recipe uses it too! However, we understand that it can be difficult to find if you are located outside of Germany or Austria.
If you want to use vanilla sugar check your local specialty stores, and European or Asian supermarkets! (Yes, it may sound a bit unusual, but you can often find vanilla sugar in Asian supermarkets.) Another alternative is ordering vanilla sugar online, but we also have listed two alternatives to use when making the cookie dough.
Can I make vanilla sugar at home?
Yes, vanilla sugar is easily made at home with a few simple ingredients. We have a recipe for homemade vanilla sugar for you. It couldn't be easier, and makes a big batch to enrich all your baked goods!
How to store Vanillekipferl
These vegan Vanillekipferl keep fresh for up to 3 weeks when stored properly. Keep in a metal cookie tin or air-tight container at room temperature.
Can you freeze Vanillekipferl?
Yes, you can definitely freeze these! Once completely cooled, put it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date of freezing. They keep fresh in the freezer for around 3 months, if stored properly.
📖 Recipe
Vanillekipferl - Vanilla Crescent Cookies (vegan)
Equipment
- mixing bowl, baking tray, parchment paper, plastic wrap, spatula
Ingredients
- 125 g unbleached all-purpose flour (4.4 oz)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tbs cornstarch
- 80 g almond flour (2.8 oz)
- 50 g powdered sugar (1.7 oz)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar (alternatively use vanilla extract, the inside of 1 vanilla bean)
- 1 ½ tablespoon vegan vanilla yogurt
- 120 g vegan butter, at room temperature F (4.2 oz)
for dusting:
- 50 g powdered sugar (1.7 oz)
- 2 tablespoon vanilla sugar
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl combine dry ingredients. (If you are using vanilla extract or vanilla bean add it with the wet ingredients)
- Cut the butter into pieces and add it alongside vegan yogurt to dry the ingredients. Then knead into a dough with your hands. Roll the dough into a 1.5-inch (3-4cm) thick log and cut it in half. Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the fridge for 1 hour (or overnight if wished)
- Preheat the oven to 355°F / 180°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Take the dough logs out of the fridge (if it has been in there overnight let it warm up for a few minutes). Cut them into ½-inch (1 cm) wide slices. Roll each slice into a small roll, making the ends a bit thinner. Bend the ends together, to form a moon shape. Put the shaped cookies on your prepared baking tray.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 - 15 minutes until the ends are slightly browned.
- While waiting on the cookies mix powdered sugar with vanilla sugar in a small bowl. Once the cookies are done baking immediately dust them with the sugar mix. Let them cool for 15 minutes, then transfer them to a cooking rack. Once completely cooled dust them once more. Enjoy!
PS: Don't forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment on your experience - this helps improve my recipes and serves you with the best instructions, tips, and substitution ideas. Plus, I love hearing about your takes on my recipes! Tag me on Instagram @thesimplesprinkle to show me your pictures.
I grew up with German Christmas cookies. My oma used always to make some for Christmas. This recipe brings so many memories. Great Vanillekipferl recipe. Thanks!