Originating from the beautiful Austrian festive traditions, Vanilletaler, or Vanilla Coins, are delicate and aromatic Christmas cookies that are perfect for adding a touch of nostalgia to your holiday baking. These delightful treats are infused with the warm flavor of vanilla, making them a favorite among both adults and children during the holiday season. With a hint of sweetness and a buttery crumble, Vanilletaler are a joy to bake and share with loved ones. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe for Vanilletaler Vanilla Coins.
**Vanilletaler Vanilla Coins**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup ground almonds
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dough:**
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well to incorporate the flavor.
3. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground almonds to the butter mixture. Mix until a smooth dough forms. If the dough seems too crumbly, you can add a little more softened butter to achieve the right consistency.
4. **Shape the Cookies:**
On a clean work surface dusted with flour, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out the cookies into various shapes, such as circles or stars.
5. Place the cutout cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie to allow for slight spreading during baking.
6. **Bake and Decorate:**
Bake the Vanilletaler in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
7. Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. **Serve and Enjoy:**
Once the cookies have cooled, dust them generously with powdered sugar for a festive touch. These delicate Vanilletaler Vanilla Coins are perfect for serving with a cup of hot cocoa or gifting in decorative bags tied with ribbons. They also make a lovely addition to any holiday cookie platter.
9. Share the joy of the holiday season with these delicious Vanilletaler Vanilla Coins, and watch as they quickly become a beloved tradition in your own home.
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Thank you for reading and happy baking!
