Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to Hungary? Let's bake some delicious Hungarian Kifli, crescent-shaped cookies that are delightfully buttery, subtly sweet, and incredibly addictive! This recipe is perfect for both experienced bakers and those just starting out – it's surprisingly easy and delivers fantastic results. These homemade cookies are a wonderful treat for any occasion, from cozy nights in to festive gatherings. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy recipe for a truly delicious dish!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a quick baking session.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Kifli
Let's get baking! These easy-to-follow instructions will guide you through the process.
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the softened butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 2: Combining the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
Step 3: Chilling the Dough (Essential!)
Form the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for easier handling and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 4: Shaping the Kifli
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness. Cut the dough into 3-inch squares. Cut each square diagonally to create triangles.
Step 5: Rolling and Baking
Starting at the wide end of each triangle, roll the dough towards the point, creating a crescent shape. Place the kifli onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving a little space between each cookie.
Step 6: The Final Touch
For extra flavor and a beautiful golden-brown finish, you can brush the top of each kifli with a little beaten egg or milk before baking. Sprinkle with granulated sugar, if desired.
Step 7: Baking to Perfection
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let the kifli cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Hungarian Kifli
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
- Chill the dough thoroughly: This will prevent spreading and make shaping easier.
- Use high-quality butter: The butter is a key ingredient, so using good quality butter will make a difference in the taste and texture.
- Experiment with flavors: Add different extracts (almond, lemon), spices (cinnamon), or chocolate chips to personalize your kifli.
Variations: Spice Things Up!
- Chocolate Kifli: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough.
- Nutty Kifli: Incorporate chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the dough for extra crunch.
- Cinnamon Kifli: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate)
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: 6-8g
- Sugar: 4-6g
Enjoy your homemade Hungarian Kifli! These delightful crescent cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones, or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea or coffee. They are a simple pleasure that will quickly become a favorite in your household. They're a delicious example of easy recipes and healthy meals, a great addition to your quick dinner ideas or anytime snack. This easy recipe for homemade cooking showcases the best recipes available using simple ingredients.