Kifflings (Almond Crescent Cookies) – Classic Buttery Holiday Cookies from Scratch

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Melt-in-your-mouth Kifflings (Almond Crescent Cookies) made from scratch with real butter and ground almonds. A classic holiday favorite coated in powdered sugar!

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A Buttery, Nostalgic Holiday Cookie

There’s something magical about the smell of buttery cookies baking on a crisp winter day. These Kifflings, also known as Almond Crescent Cookies, are the kind of treat that fills your home with warmth and memories. My husband’s grandfather made these every Christmas, and after he passed, my husband begged me to carry on the tradition.

I probably don’t use quite as much powdered sugar as he did (I’m pretty sure his version sat in a bowl of powdered sugar until served!), but my husband swears they taste just like he remembers. Each bite is buttery, delicate, and dusted in just the right amount of sweetness.

Made entirely from scratch with real butter, ground almonds, and simple ingredients, these cookies have become one of our family’s favorite holiday traditions. I hope they bring as much joy to your home this holiday season as they do to ours. At My Colorado Kitchen, where real ingredients meet everyday cooking, these classic European cookies are a timeless treat you’ll want to bake year after year.

What Are Kifflings?

Kifflings are delicate, crescent-shaped cookies with a rich, buttery texture and a subtle almond flavor. They originated in Central Europe—closely related to the German Vanillekipferl—and are traditionally made during Christmas. Each cookie is rolled in powdered sugar while still warm, giving them that signature snowy-white coating.

They’re simple, elegant, and absolutely irresistible—perfect for adding a touch of old-world charm to your modern holiday baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made from whole, real ingredients—no shortcuts or processed mixes.
• A buttery, almond-rich flavor that’s melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Easy to make in just one bowl—no chilling required.
• Perfect for holiday gifting or cookie swaps.
• Keeps well for days and can be frozen ahead for holiday prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple, real ingredients to make these classic Kifflings:

• 1 cup butter, softened – the base for that tender, buttery crumb.
• ¼ cup sugar – just enough sweetness to balance the almonds.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for a warm, aromatic flavor.
• ½ cup ground almonds – adds nutty richness and texture.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – gives structure while keeping them soft.
• ¾ cup powdered sugar – for rolling and coating the cookies.

Tip: If you can’t find ground almonds, pulse whole blanched almonds in a food processor or blender until finely ground (but not pasty). It is ok if there are some larger pieces too.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Ground Almonds

Mix in the vanilla extract and ground almonds until evenly combined.

Step 3: Add the Flour

Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should hold together but not be sticky.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop (not heaping), scoop portions of dough. Roll each into a small log and gently bend it into a crescent shape. Place on a parchment-lined non-toxic baking sheet or my favorite, these PUFA free, non-stick baking stones.

Step 5: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or until the bottoms are just starting to brown. The tops should remain pale.

Step 6: Roll in Powdered Sugar

Cool cookies until just warm. Gently (be careful, they will break easy) roll each one in powdered sugar, then place on a rack to cool completely.
Once fully cool, roll them in powdered sugar a second time for that signature snowy coating.

Pro Tips for Perfect Kifflings

• Use softened butter. Cold butter won’t cream properly and can make the dough crumbly.
• Don’t overbake. These cookies should be pale on top with only a hint of golden brown underneath.
• Handle gently. Kifflings are delicate and can break easily when warm.
• Roll twice. The first sugar coat sticks to the warm cookie, and the second gives that beautiful finish.
• Store right. Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days—or freeze for longer.

Serving Ideas

Kifflings are the perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter or homemade gift box. Their snowy sugar coating and crescent shape make them look beautiful alongside festive cookies like angel or natchez.

Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, cocoa, or spiced tea for a cozy treat that tastes like Christmas morning.

Variations

Want to make these cookies your own? Try one of these simple twists:

• Add ½ teaspoon almond extract for extra almond flavor.
• Mix in ½ teaspoon cinnamon with the powdered sugar for a warm spice note.
• Swap ground almonds for ground pecans or hazelnuts.
• Drizzle cooled cookies with melted dark chocolate for a decadent touch.

How to Store and Freeze

• To store: Place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• To freeze: Freeze uncoated cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw, then roll in powdered sugar before serving.

They also make wonderful make-ahead cookies for your holiday baking schedule.

More Holiday Cookies You’ll Love

If you loved these Kifflings, here are a few more cozy, from-scratch recipes from My Colorado Kitchen that make the holidays extra sweet:

• Peanut Butter Balls
• Natchez Cookies
• Angel Cookies
• Marshmallow Fudge

If you try this recipe and love it, I would love it if you could come back and give it 5 stars! Tag me on instagram @my.colorado.kitchen