My Grandpa was from Austria. I learned from his life history that he used to eat Vanillekipferls with my Grandma and Great Uncle. I was determined to find some authentic Vanillekipferls while visiting Austria earlier this year (like so determined I made my husband take a bus and walk 30 minutes with me to find a certain bakery that was supposed to carry them) and came to find out they only make them at Christmas! So it became my goal to bake a gluten free Vanillekipkerl this Christmas. I adapted my Grandma’s recipe and was thrilled with how they turned out.

What is a traditional baked good that your family makes?

Vanillekipferl

servings: 24 cookies

INGREDIENTS:

For the dough

2 c gluten free flour

1 c butter

1/2 c granulated sugar

4 oz almond flour (or ground hazelnuts)

1 egg yolk

1 tsp vanilla

1/3 c vanilla pudding

For the sprinkle

powdered sugar

vanilla sugar (optional)

*TBH I didn’t know what vanilla sugar was before making this recipe! I didn’t have any on hand so I just used powdered sugar but you can make your own using a vanilla bean and white sugar or buy it pre-made.

DIRECTIONS:

Place all of the dough ingredients in a large bowl and knead until thoroughly combined. (I like to mix in my Kitchen Aid on low until combined.) Shape the dough into a log and wrap with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Cut off small pieces of the dough and shape them into crescents. Place the crescents onto a non-stick or parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake on the middle rack for 15 minutes (depending on the size of the crescents) or until the edges begin to turn golden.
Let the cookies sit for one minute and then use a sifter to dust them with the powdered sugar while they're still hot. Let the cookies cool completely and then give them a second dusting. I like to use the extra powdered sugar on the baking sheet to cover the bottom of the cookie. Simply spread the cookies around over the powdered sugar on the baking sheet and it will stick to the cookie.
Stored in an airtight container in a cool place, these cookies will keep for several weeks.

*cookies are best when frozen for a few days…however, you may not have time for that or the patience ;)