Best Ever Christmas Cookie Recipe

Create a Melt In Your Mouth Moment

Our Family Secret

Having had the pleasure of living in Germany for a number of years, I was always mezmerized by their array of cultural and flavoursome specialities from cheeses, to incredible tortes and pastries, to the delicous variety of bakers delights and much more. My senses were on overdrive as the freshly cooked aromas filled the air walking down the cobblestone alley ways in the elegant towns where we lived and visited.

One of my favourite seasons living in a European culture was their winter Christmas. Having only experienced the heat of the Australian summer during the festive season, a whole new experience stood before me which I had embraced all lovingly, like a kid in a candy store.

Having moved back to Australia, I enthusiastically adopted some of the traditions which I held close to my heart that made my experience living in a foreign country an enjoyable experience. One of them was this Christmas delight that I now share with you.

Adopting a tradition

I remember the festive season surrounding me. Colourful flasing lights, the aroma of the fresh cut cypress pine tree elegantly sprinkled with the seasons shimmer and candles glowing gently in the background when a plate was offered to me. On this decorated plate, were unknown cookies that we evenly placed like a masterpiece. Hesitant to disturb their carefuly thought out placement, I accepted gleefully. I'm never one to say no to a new taste experience.

As I took the first soft bite of this delicate delight which crumbled into my mouth, I was instantly in love. It was amazing. I knew right then and there that THIS was not a recipe that I could forgo. THIS one I had to have.

These days it's our yearly pleasure and one that people continue to rave about and one that my family enjoys and looks forward to each and every year. It's now my adopted tradition and I'm sharing it with YOU.

How To Make My Vanilla Kipfern

In German the cookies are called Vanilla Kipfern, which translated is the same as a Vanilla Cresent or also known as almond shortbread. So simple to make and this will definitely also be the favourite at your house too.

Ingredients

250g unsalted butter
250 grams plain flour
100g castor sugar
130g almond meal
Extra flour and castor sugar

Directions

Cream butter and sugar until light and creamy. Gradually blend in sifted flour. Stir in almond meal. Lightly roll on a floured surface into a dough consistency adding flour as needed. Place on to a small plate and refrigerate for up to an hour. Cut of small pieces and flatten on a floured surface to about 1 cm height. Use shape cutters of your choice. I like the Christmas design shapes for the festive season.

Place on a lined baking tray in a 170 degree celcius pre heated oven and cook for about 15 - 18 minutes or until cookies are starting to change colour. Allow to cool for 5 minutes then roll gently in castor sugar. Arrange in a container until ready to serve.

Enjoy....

My families Christmas gift to you.

Please let me know how your baking session went and if it was a hit for your family. Enjoy the experience of this recipe melting in your mouth. Try and stop at one!

These also make wonderful gift ideas for your friends and family packaged in small celephane bags with ribbon. You'll be a hit for everyone.