Vanillekrapferl Vanilla Ring Pastries

Vanillekrapferl, also known as Vanilla Ring Pastries, are delicate and aromatic Austrian Christmas treats that are perfect for the holiday season. These crescent-shaped cookies are made with a buttery dough infused with the warm, comforting flavor of vanilla. Baking a batch of Vanillekrapferl is not only a delicious way to celebrate the winter holidays, but it also fills your home with the sweet scents of the season. This recipe makes approximately 30 cookies, perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in yourself during a cozy evening at home.

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

Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Gradually add the flour, ground almonds, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Take small portions of the dough and roll them into ropes about 1/2 inch thick. Cut the ropes into 2-inch pieces.
5. Shape each piece of dough into a crescent shape by gently rolling them and pinching the ends to form the classic Vanillekrapferl ring.
6. Place the formed cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
7. Bake the Vanillekrapferl in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown.
8. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
9. While the cookies are still warm, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the Vanillekrapferl have cooled, dust them generously with powdered sugar to give them an elegant snow-like appearance.

Enjoy these delightful Vanillekrapferl Vanilla Ring Pastries with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and festive treat. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and comforting vanilla flavor are sure to delight your taste buds and bring a touch of Austrian holiday tradition to your home this Christmas season. Share these cookies with family and friends or package them as a heartfelt homemade gift. Embrace the spirit of the holidays with these delightful treats that are as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat!