Vanillekipferl are very traditional German and Austrian Christmas Cookies. There is no Advent or Christmas without these typical cookies in the shape of a horseshoe or half moon. Use the best vanilla bean you can get, because it makes these cookies so special. The dough is a shortcrust and to shape the cookies might be tricky sometimes, because the dough will not stick together as you would like it to. But if that happens, the dough is right on, just be patient and take some time.
This is based on a Jacques Pepin recipe of the same name. It’s an elegant and scrumptious dessert that’s simpler to make than it looks.
I actually first saw their Austrian Shortbread recipe years ago in Gourmet Magazine. I was intrigued with the interesting yet simple technique involved in achieving an extremely light textured shortbread (see recipe). I originally made it just as the recipe specifies layering raspberry jam between the two layers, but recently decided to try a less sweet and simpler version, using fresh fruit mixed with a bit of sugar, flour and lemon. Both versions are delicious but with fresh fruit so abundant and beautiful at the moment, I opted for this blueberry/raspberry rendition today…and no one seemed to complain!!
By Jennifer McGavin. These Poppy Seed Rolls are an Austrian specialty, often served with coffee or brunch. There are just a few options offered in making these great rolls, which stretches the instructions to the point that it appears rather complicated. But it’s not a complicated recipe.
Okay so they’re not a secret anymore. I hesitated to publish this recipe, but it’s just too good not to share. If you don’t like Brandy, I suppose dark rum, Grand Marnier, or Bourbon would be good, too.
