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Melania's Vanillekipferl ~ Almond Cookie

➤ by Oma Gerhild Fulson

Vanillekipferl is an almond cookie which is very similar to a shortbread cookie, but made with ground almonds.

This is one German food for the many German Christmas traditions that are so delicious, but taste great all year long. WUNDERBAR!

This almond cookie is one that I had at my friend Melania's house at Christmas. Her recipe starts with one from her old Dr. Oetker cookbook. 

For the full list of ingredients & detailed instructions, see the recipe card at the end of this post. But before you scroll, there’s important & interesting stuff to know right below.

This German Almond Cookie is the traditional vanillekipfel that we love at Christmas.

However, Melania loves to adapt recipes to her own liking, often making them easier than the original.

Holiday cookies these may be, but there's no reason not to enjoy them throughout the year!

When it's time for Christmas, baking is at the forefront of preparations. Get Oma's collection of her favorites in Christmas Baking eCookbook. 

Take a look at Oma’s Christmas Baking eCookbook and enjoy the traditional taste of German cuisine!

Take a peek at all Oma's eCookbooks. They make sharing your German heritage a delicious adventure!

Why Is This Cookie So Popular In Germany?

Why, because it's almond, of course!

Tree nuts are a very popular ingredient in many favorite German dishes and desserts ... especially desserts. 

Almonds gained such popularity thanks to marzipan. The scrumptious treat is traditionally made using things like almond paste and almond oil for that extra almond flavor. To us Germans, there's nothing better than a cake, cookie, chocolate bar, with a little marzipan thrown in there. That infamous almond flavor can be found in so many German snacks. 

It can be a strange taste to get used to if you are not used to or exposed to German culture a whole lot. But once you try it, I guarantee you'll be telling everyone to try it! But if you're still hesitant to give marzipan a try, give these cookies a go. These almond cookies give such a similar flavor!

Kaffeeklatsch Trivia with a cup of coffee and steam rising
  • Vanillekipferl originated in Austria but are now traditional in Germany, Czech, Slovakia, Romania, and Hungary as well
  • They have a unique flavor combination of almonds and vanilla
  • They are traditional for Christmas and often served with coffee, hot fruit tea, or mulled wine.

Melania's Christmas Cookies ... 

This German Almond Cookie is the traditional vanillekipfel that we love at Christmas. Share it! Pin it! Make it! Enjoy it!

Originally from Austria, these cookies are now a specialty of the Bavaria. It's assumed these are hard to make because the dough is quite fragile.

However, it just takes a bit of practice ... and you'll do fine.

You can make these in two basic varieties. One uses almonds and the other hazelnuts. Melania's here use almonds ... 

Traditional German Almond Cookie, the Vanillekipfel, that everyone loves, not only at Christmas, but throughout the year.

For another version of these Vanillekipferln check out this Vanilla Shortbread Cookie that is a translation of a German recipe sent in by one of our readers.

She's altered the recipe to make it simple and fast.

The recipe, below, and this other one are actually similar, yet different. Why not try them both and you judge which is best!

Why not make a batch of each of these cookies for your holiday platter. The different textures and flavors look so pretty, especially when arranged together on a tray.

They also make great 'hostess gifts.' Just be ready to pass on the recipes!

What is Christmas Like in Germany?

Celebrating Christmas in Germany is such a feast for your senses. Every part of your being is affected - from the sights to behold, the scents to savour, and the TASTES to enjoy. Your spirit is renewed in the reason for the season.

The great Weihnachten market is a wondrous event held every year in the town of Nuremberg. Filled with decorations and traditional Christmas snacks. Enjoy a winter sleigh ride while you enjoy your handmade pretzel!

In Germany, the entire month of December is a celebration leading up to Christmas Day, and the lecker schmecker snacks are something to recognize. 

Now, let's see if YOU recognize any of these yummy holiday treats. But of course, they're good any time of year!

  • Königskuchen - A holiday fruit cake filled with delicious currents and raisins.
  • Quarkstollen - Traditional Christmas cake made easily using quark!
  • Zimtschnecken - The yummy cinnamon snails! (Like a sugar coated cinnamon roll.)
  • Lebkuchen - The artsy-looking German gingerbread cookies.
  • Roast Duck - For your Christmas family feast!

Ready to make Melania's Vanillekipferl?

Melania's Vanillekipferl ~ Almond Cookie

Vanillekipferl are an almond cookie which is very similar to a shortbread cookie, but made with ground almonds. This is one that I had at my friend Melania's house at Christmas. Her recipe starts with one from her old Dr. Oetker cookbook. 

However, Melania loves to adapt recipes to her own liking, often making them easier than the original.

Prep Time

30 minutes

Bake Time

15 minutes

Total Time

45

Servings:

Makes 4 dozen cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1¾ cups flour, all-purpose
  • 1 cup ground almonds
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla sugar
  • 1 cup butter, cold
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 6 teaspoons vanilla sugar

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
  2. Mix flour, ground almonds, sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla sugar together in a large bowl.
  3. Cut in cold butter. 
  4. Quickly mix all ingredients together to make a smooth dough.
  5. Roll a small amount of dough into a thin roll. Cut into 2-inch rolls.
  6. Place onto greased baking sheet and form into crescents.
  7. Bake for 10 - 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
  8. Remove from oven and roll warm cookies in the powdered sugar that has been mixed with 6 teaspoons vanilla sugar.

Notes/Hints:

  • These cookies store very well, actually getting better the longer they stand.
  • This is normally considered difficult cookie to make! The dough can be very fragile and can be difficult to form into the crescent shape.

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Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com

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Traditional German Almond Cookie, the Vanillekipfel, that everyone loves, not only at Christmas, but throughout the year.

Vanillekipferl - Almond Cookie Recipe baked Just like Oma

By
Vanillekipferl - Almond Cookie Recipe baked Just like Oma
Vanillekipferl are an almond cookie which is very similar to a shortbread cookie, but made with ground almonds. Traditional for a German Christmas, it tastes great all year long. WUNDERBAR!

Ingredients: flour, almond, sugar, vanilla sugar, butter, powdered sugar,

For the full recipe, scroll up ...

Words to the Wise

"The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves."

Proverbs 14:8 (NLT)


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