Hungarian Kifli Cookies (Vaníliás Kifli) 🇭🇺

Hungarian Kifli Cookies (Vaníliás Kifli) 🇭🇺

Delicate, crescent-shaped cookies that melt in your mouth. These traditional Hungarian treats are buttery, nutty, and generously coated in vanilla sugar—especially popular during holidays.


🥐 Ingredients

  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup finely ground walnuts (or almonds)
  • Pinch of salt

For Coating

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla sugar or vanilla extract

🍪 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in vanilla extract.
  4. Add flour, ground nuts, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  5. Take small portions of dough, roll into short logs, and shape into crescents.
  6. Place on baking sheet, leaving space between cookies.
  7. Bake 12–15 minutes, just until bottoms are lightly golden (do not brown).
  8. While still warm, gently roll cookies in vanilla powdered sugar.

🍽️ Tips for Perfect Kifli

  • Handle gently—these cookies are very tender.
  • Roll in sugar while warm so it sticks well.
  • Store in an airtight container; flavor improves after a day.

🌟 Variations

  • Use hazelnuts or almonds instead of walnuts
  • Add lemon zest for a fresh twist
  • Dip ends in melted chocolate for a modern touch

If you’d like, I can also give you:

  • A short Facebook recipe
  • A Darija version
  • Or a Christmas-style presentation post 🎄

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