How to Make Mandelsichelchen: A Bite-Sized Taste of German Christmas

Mandelsichelchen, those charming little crescent moon cookies, are a beloved German Christmas tradition. The aroma of almonds and vanilla wafting from the oven instantly transports you to a cozy Christmas market in Germany. With their delicate crunch and sweet, nutty flavor, they’re impossible to resist!

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring your Mandelsichelchen turn out perfect every time. So tie on your apron, and let’s embark on this delicious baking adventure!

Gather Your Ingredients

For these delightful crescent cookies, you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup finely ground almonds
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Optional additions:

• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (enhances the almond flavor)
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (for decoration)

Tools of the Trade

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (optional, but recommended)
• Sharp knife

Let’s Bake!

Step 1: Mixing the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the softened butter and beat with an electric mixer (or by hand) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and ground almonds until a smooth dough forms.

Step 2: Shaping the Crescents

1. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap the disks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (this will make the dough easier to handle).
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
4. Using a sharp knife or a cookie cutter, cut out crescent shapes. If you’re feeling creative, you can experiment with different sizes and shapes!

Step 3: Baking Time!

1. Carefully place the crescents on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each one.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 4: A Snowy Finish

1. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar for a beautiful snowy finish.