In the Czech Republic we get quite serious when it comes to Christmas baking. Some families have their cookies done weeks ahead, just to make sure they can enjoy the holiday season in peace. Competitions are held annually to see who can make more kinds, and trust me, some of the creations can get rather elaborate!
But no worries, vanilla crescents are among the easiest yet yummiest of them all. No family will forget to include these in their selection of Christmas cookies each year. So let’s get your hands on some flour and find out how to make this traditional Christmas delight in your own kitchen.
Here’s What You’ll Need
For the dough:
- 1/2 cup or 60g all-purpose white flour
- 8 tsp or 20g powdered or confectioners’ sugar
- 9 tsp or 20g ground wall-nuts
- 3 1/2 tbsp or 50g butter
- 1 egg yolk
- cinnamon
- salt
Final touches:
- a bowl of powdered sugar
- vanilla sugar
Place all of the dough ingredients in a large bowl and knead until thoroughly combined. The dough will be fairly dry and flaky. Shape the dough into a log and wrap with plastic wrap. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
Cut off pieces of the dough to shape them into crescents. It’s usually easiest to shape them into crescents on a baking sheet but some people find it easier to shape them in their hands. Do whichever works for you.
Place the cookies on a non-stick or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake on the middle rack for 12-15 minutes (depending on the size of the crescents) or until the edges begin to turn golden. Let the cookies sit for 2-3 minutes and then use a sifter to dust them with the vanilla-powdered sugar while they’re still hot. Let the cookies cool completely and then give them a second dusting.
Stored in an airtight (important!) container in a cool place, these cookies will last for several weeks. Dobrou chuť!
If you enjoyed this special holiday recipe, check out how to prepare our mulled wine, our favorite Czech Christmas drink.
