🇭🇺 Hungarian Snow Crescents (Hókifli) – The Perfect Old-Fashioned Cookie! ❄️🥐
If you’re looking for a traditional Hungarian cookie that’s buttery, nutty, and melts in your mouth, Hókifli is the answer! These delicate crescent-shaped cookies have been enjoyed for generations, especially around the holidays. Each bite is light, flaky, and covered in a snowy layer of powdered sugar, making them irresistibly delicious.
Hókifli (pronounced ho-keef-lee) is similar to vanillekipferl in Austria and kipfel in Germany, but the Hungarian version often includes walnuts or almonds, giving them a rich, nutty flavor. Some families add a hint of rum or citrus zest to the dough for an extra special touch. These cookies get even better over time, so they’re perfect for making ahead of the holidays!
Let’s dive into the recipe and make these heavenly Hungarian treats! 😍
🛒 Ingredients – Simple & Authentic
The best part about Hókifli is that it’s made with simple pantry ingredients, but the result is pure magic!
For the Dough:
🧈 200g (7 oz) unsalted butter, softened (for that rich, buttery texture)
🌾 300g (2 ½ cups) all-purpose flour (sifted for a tender crumb)
🥚 2 large egg yolks (adds richness)
🍚 50g (¼ cup) granulated sugar (just a touch of sweetness)
🛑 ½ tsp salt (balances the flavors)
🥛 3 tbsp sour cream (makes the dough soft and delicate)
🌰 100g (1 cup) finely ground walnuts or almonds (for that traditional nutty taste)
🌿 1 tsp vanilla extract (for depth of flavor)
For Coating:
🍚 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar (the “snow” that coats the crescents!)
🌿 1 tsp vanilla sugar (optional, but adds a beautiful aroma!)
📝 Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Making the Perfect Dough
1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until smooth and fluffy. This helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture!
2️⃣ Add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and sour cream, then mix until fully incorporated.
3️⃣ Gradually mix in the flour, salt, and ground walnuts or almonds. Stir gently until a soft dough forms—do not overmix!
4️⃣ Once the dough comes together, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for even better flavor!). Chilling helps the dough firm up and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
Step 2: Shaping & Baking the Crescents
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Take the chilled dough out and divide it into small portions. Roll each portion into a thin rope, about 2 inches (5 cm) long.
3️⃣ Shape each rope into a crescent (“C” shape) and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
4️⃣ Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn slightly golden. The cookies should remain light in color to maintain their delicate texture.
Step 3: The Magical “Snowy” Coating ❄️
1️⃣ While the cookies are still warm, carefully roll them in powdered sugar & vanilla sugar until fully coated.
2️⃣ Let them cool completely before serving. As they cool, the sugar forms a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth layer!