Vajas Kifli are delicate Hungarian butter cookies traditionally shaped into crescents and often filled with sweet preserves or nuts. Known for their tender, flaky texture and rich buttery flavor, these pastries are typically enjoyed during holidays and special occasions. The dough, made with butter, flour, egg yolks, and sour cream, is allowed to rest overnight, enhancing its flavor and making it easy to roll. These cookies are a beloved example of Central European baking, with endless variations in fillings and finishes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 egg yolks
- ½ pint sour cream
- 1 cup fruit preserves (or other filling of choice e.g. nuts, poppy seed)
Instructions
Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sour cream until smooth.
Step 2: Combine Butter and Flour
- In a large bowl, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Make Dough
- Add the egg yolk mixture to the flour mixture. Stir and knead until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Chill Dough
- Form dough into small balls, cover, and let rest overnight in the refrigerator.
Step 5: Roll and Fill
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll each ball into a small circle.
- Place desired filling in the center.
- Fold over or roll into crescents and seal edges gently.
Step 6: Bake
- Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until lightly golden.
Step 7: Cool and Finish
- Cool on wire racks. Optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips
- Chill the dough overnight as written for best flavor and texture
- Roll dough evenly to ensure uniform baking
- Fill with jam, nuts, or poppy seed filling for traditional variations
- Dust baked cookies lightly with powdered sugar if desired
- Keep fillings thick to prevent leaking during baking
- Use European-style butter for richer flavor
- Dough can be frozen after shaping but before filling
- Bake until just golden to avoid drying out
- These cookies improve in flavor after a day of resting
Nutrition
Calories: 224kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 2gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 63mgSodium: 9mgPotassium: 43mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 462IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg
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