Vanillehörnchen Vanilla Horns

Craving a heavenly treat straight from the heart of German holiday traditions this festive season? Look no further than the delightful recipe for Vanillehörnchen, also known as Vanilla Horns. These buttery crescent-shaped cookies are a delightful addition to any Christmas gathering, with their rich vanilla flavor and delicate texture that melts in your mouth. Easier to make than you might think, these cookies will become a treasured addition to your seasonal baking repertoire.

**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup ground almonds
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/3 cup powdered sugar, for dusting

**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.

2. Gradually add the flour, ground almonds, and salt to the butter mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough seems too sticky, you can add a bit more flour.

3. Divide the dough into four equal portions and shape each portion into a disk. Wrap the disks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill.

4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

5. Working with one disk of dough at a time, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a circle about 1/4 inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the circle into 12 equal wedges.

6. Starting from the wide end, roll up each wedge to form a crescent shape. Place the formed cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one.

7. Bake the Vanillehörnchen in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are just beginning to turn golden brown around the edges.

8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Once the Vanillehörnchen have cooled, dust them generously with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve.

10. Serve these delightful Vanilla Horns with a cup of hot tea or coffee, and delight in the festive flavors that will surely brighten up your holiday baking.

Vanillehörnchen, with their delicate vanilla flavor and buttery richness, are a magnificent addition to any Christmas cookie platter. Whether you’re baking these for your family, gifting them to friends, or simply indulging in a cozy evening at home, these delightful crescent-shaped cookies are sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and let the aroma of warm vanilla fill your kitchen as you create these holiday gems. Enjoy the magic of Christmas baking with Vanillehörnchen!