The holiday season is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than baking some delicious treats? Kiffels are a classic Hungarian cookie that have been a staple at holiday gatherings for generations. These tender, crumbly cookies are perfect for dunking in hot chocolate or coffee, and can be flavored with a wide range of ingredients to suit your tastes.
From classic walnut kiffels topped with powdered sugar to cream cheese kiffels filled with sweet raspberry jam, there’s something for everyone on this list of 18 delicious kiffel recipes. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Hungarian flavor or something a little more unique, we’ve got you covered. So grab your mixing bowls and baking sheets, and get ready to fill the air with the sweet scent of holiday cheer!
Classic Walnut Kiffels with Powdered Sugar
These buttery, nutty cookies are a classic treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their delicate texture and rich flavor, they’re sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Stir in chopped walnuts.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool on wire rack before dusting with powdered sugar.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Cream Cheese Kiffels with Raspberry Filling
These sweet and tangy kiffels are a perfect treat for any occasion. With a creamy cream cheese filling and a burst of raspberry flavor, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 1 package of kiefel dough (or 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt)
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup raspberry jam
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the kiefel dough or make the dough from scratch. Cut into desired shapes.
3. In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
4. Spoon a small amount of raspberry jam onto one half of each dough shape. Top with a dollop of cream cheese mixture.
5. Fold the other half over to form a triangle or seal the edges with a fork. Place on prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired) and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Apricot Jam-Filled Kiffels
These delicate pastry cookies are filled with a burst of sweet apricot jam, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create these tender and flavorful kiffels in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/4 cup apricot jam
– Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and beaten egg to the dry ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., circles or squares).
6. Place a small spoonful of apricot jam in the center of each piece.
7. Fold the dough over the jam, forming a triangle or square shape.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Allow to cool before dusting with powdered sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Almond Paste Kiffels with Vanilla Glaze
Get ready to delight your senses with these tender and flavorful Almond Paste Kiffels, topped with a rich and creamy Vanilla Glaze. Perfect for special occasions or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup almond paste
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– Vanilla Glaze (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream almond paste and butter until smooth. Beat in egg until well combined.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Vanilla Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Drizzle over cooled Kiffels.
Chocolate Hazelnut Kiffels
These buttery shortbread-like cookies are infused with the deep flavors of dark chocolate and toasted hazelnuts, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– 1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
5. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
6. Fold melted chocolate into the dough until well combined. Stir in chopped hazelnuts.
7. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden around edges.
Poppy Seed Kiffels with Lemon Zest
These tender kiffels are infused with the bright flavor of lemon zest and the subtle nuttiness of poppy seeds, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and poppy seeds to the wet ingredients. Mix until combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
7. Place cutouts on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Cinnamon Sugar Kiffels
Sweet Treat: Cinnamon Sugar Kiffels
These tender and crumbly treats are a perfect combination of sweet and spicy, topped with a generous sprinkling of cinnamon sugar. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Cinnamon sugar mixture (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and cinnamon.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or glass.
6. Place shapes on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
7. While still warm, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture (see below).
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
Mix together 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
Pecan Kiffels with Maple Drizzle
These tender, buttery kiffels are infused with the rich flavor of pecans and topped with a sweet maple drizzle.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– Maple drizzle (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Stir in chopped pecans.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Maple Drizzle:
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Whisk together and drizzle over warm kiffels.
Cherry Preserve Kiffels
These bite-sized kiffels are a delightful combination of sweet and tangy, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a hint of cherry preserve, they’re sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup cherry preserve
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., fingers or squares).
6. Place kiffels on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Allow to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pistachio Kiffels with Rosewater Glaze
Pistachio Kiffels with Rosewater Glaze: A delicate and aromatic cookie infused with the nutty flavor of pistachios, paired with a sweet and floral rosewater glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt, to taste
– Rosewater glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Add chopped pistachios; mix well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely.
Rosewater Glaze:
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons rosewater
– 1 tablespoon water
Mix glaze ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies and serve.
Orange Marmalade Kiffels
Kiffels are a classic German cookie that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. This recipe adds a burst of citrus flavor from orange marmalade, making them a delightful treat for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup orange marmalade
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add marmalade and mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., squares or rectangles). Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
7. Allow cookies to cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Traditional Hungarian Kiffels with Walnuts
These crunchy, buttery cookies are a classic Hungarian treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. This simple recipe yields a delicious batch of kiffels that are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Fold in chopped walnuts.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mini Kiffels Bites with Almond Filling
These bite-sized treats are a delightful twist on the classic German cookie, filled with a rich almond filling that will leave you wanting more. Perfect for parties or snacks.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup (50g) confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– Almond filling (recipe below)
Almond Filling:
– 1/2 cup (60g) sliced almonds
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms. Beat in egg.
4. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., squares or circles).
6. Spoon a small amount of almond filling onto one half of the cookie, leaving a 1/4 inch border around edges.
7. Fold other half over filling and press edges to seal.
8. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Spiced Fig Kiffels with Honey Glaze
Elevate your snack game with these sweet and spicy treats that combine the natural sweetness of figs with a hint of spice. Perfect for a cozy evening or as a unique gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried figs, chopped
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup honey
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. Add chopped figs, softened butter, and honey to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
4. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch of space between each kiffel.
5. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Allow kiffels to cool on a wire rack before glazing with additional honey (if desired). Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Coconut Kiffels with Pineapple Filling
Coconut Kiffels with Pineapple Filling: A sweet and tangy twist on traditional kiffels!
Ingredients:
For the Coconut Kiffels:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Pineapple Filling:
– 1 cup crushed pineapple
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, coconut, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., hearts or squares).
5. Place kiffels on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool completely before filling with Pineapple Filling.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Curd Kiffels with Powdered Sugar
Brighten up your day with these delightful lemon curd kiffels, perfectly balanced by a sweet powdered sugar topping. These bite-sized treats are perfect for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, and lemon juice until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Allow kiffels to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Double Chocolate Kiffels with Cocoa Dusting
Treat your loved ones to these rich and indulgent kiffels, packed with double the chocolatey goodness and finished with a light dusting of cocoa powder.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 ounces high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), finely chopped
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Add chopped chocolate and stir until well combined.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and eggs until creamy. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., rectangles or squares).
6. Place kiffels on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch space between each.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown.
8. Allow kiffels to cool completely before dusting with cocoa powder.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Apple Butter Kiffels with Cinnamon Sugar
These soft and fluffy kiffels are infused with the warmth of apple butter and topped with a crunchy cinnamon sugar coating, perfect for a cozy afternoon treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup apple butter
– Cinnamon sugar mixture (see below)
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast and warm milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, sugar, and salt to the bowl. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
7. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each kiffel.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
9. While still warm, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweet and indulgent world of kiffels! In this article, we’ve compiled 18 mouthwatering kiffel recipes perfect for the holiday season. From classic walnut and cream cheese fillings to more unique flavor combinations like orange marmalade and coconut pineapple, there’s something for every palate. Whether you’re a fan of sweet or savory, these kiffels are sure to become a new favorite treat.
