Hungarian Kiffles (Cookies)

Servings: 2 cups Difficulty: Advanced
Classic crescent-shaped cookies filled with sweet, crunchy ground walnuts.
Hungarian Kiffles (Cookies recipe image

Hungarian Kiffles (Cookies)

Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 2 cups Calories: 1406.5

Description

These traditional Hungarian Kiffles are a delightful Eastern European treat known for their delicate, buttery pastry and rich nut filling. The dough is rolled out thinly and cut into diamonds, then filled with a mixture of ground walnuts and sugar before being shaped into elegant crescents. As they bake, the cookies become crisp and lightly browned, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and nutty depth. They are an ideal choice for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Directions

  1. Prepare the nut filling by combining 1 pound of ground walnuts with 1/2 cup of sugar in a bowl.
  2. Add 2 to 3 beaten egg whites to the walnut mixture, using just enough to hold the nuts together. Set aside.
  3. In a separate large bowl, mix together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of sugar.
  4. Add 1 cup of cold butter to the flour mixture and cut it in until it resembles pie dough.
  5. Add 4 egg yolks and 1 cup of sour cream to the dough mixture and mix well until combined.
  6. Shape the dough into a log like a meatloaf, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate overnight.
  7. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  8. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit for a few minutes to soften slightly.
  9. On a surface dusted with a mixture of powdered confectioners sugar and flour, roll out small sections of the dough as thinly as possible, about 1/8 inch thick.
  10. Cut the rolled dough into diamond shapes, approximately 2 to 3 inches square.
  11. Place a scant teaspoon of the walnut filling in the center of each diamond.
  12. Roll the dough from one corner of the diamond to the opposite corner, then shape into a crescent.
  13. Place the cookies on baking sheets and bake on the top rack of the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly browned.
  14. Watch the cookies carefully towards the end of baking to prevent burning.
  15. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2 cups


Amount Per Serving
Calories 1406.5kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 51.2g79%
Saturated Fat 31.1g156%
Cholesterol 129.0mg43%
Sodium 5265.6mg220%
Total Carbohydrate 205.2g69%
Dietary Fiber 6.9g28%
Sugars 3.3g
Protein 26.5g53%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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