Kifli are delicate crescent-shaped cookies from Hungary, traditionally filled with walnut or jam and dusted generously with powdered sugar. They’re especially popular at Christmas but perfect year-round.
📝 Ingredients
🥐 Dough
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon sugar
1 pinch salt
🌰 Walnut Filling (Traditional)
1 cup finely ground walnuts
⅓ cup sugar
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla
OR
🍓 Jam Filling
Thick apricot or raspberry jam
For Finishing
Powdered sugar for dusting
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Dough
Mix flour, sugar, and salt.
Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
Add cream cheese and mix into a soft dough.
Divide into 2 discs, wrap, and chill at least 1 hour.
2️⃣ Prepare Filling
For walnut filling: mix walnuts, sugar, milk, and vanilla into a thick paste.
3️⃣ Shape the Kifli
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll dough thin (about ⅛ inch thick).
Cut into small squares (about 2 inches).
Place a small spoon of filling in the center.
Roll up from one corner and gently curve into a crescent.
4️⃣ Bake
Place on lined baking sheet.
Bake 12–15 minutes until lightly golden (not brown).
5️⃣ Finish
While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar.
