National Dish Austria: Linzer Kipferl (Recipe)
In this article
Treat yourself to Linzer Kipferl, one of Austria’s most beloved little indulgences! These tender, crumbly biscuits hide a sweet heart of raspberry jam and melt away with every bite. Perfect alongside a steaming cup of coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up, they are a true classic of Austrian baking. Bring a touch of Viennese charm to your own kitchen and discover why these delicate crescents have delighted sweet tooths for centuries.
About Linzer Kipferl
Linzer Kipferl are not only a much-loved snack across Austria but also a genuine slice of tradition. With their tender, short-crust pastry and a luscious filling of raspberry jam, they are a real treat for any palate. These biscuits have a long history stretching back to the 17th century and remain a true speciality, perfectly suited to enjoying with a cup of coffee. If you would like to bring a little Austrian flair into your kitchen, Linzer Kipferl are the ideal choice.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 100 g soft butter
- 100 g sugar
- 1 sachet vanilla sugar
- 1 egg
- 200 g plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 50 g ground almonds
- 100 g raspberry jam
- Icing sugar, for dusting
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients for Linzer Kipferl, it is worth paying attention to the quality of each component. Choose fresh, good-quality butter, as this has a considerable influence on the flavour of the dough. It is equally important to use good sugar and real vanilla sugar to intensify the sweet aroma. The raspberry jam should also be the best you can find — ideally homemade or from a reputable producer — so you can enjoy the full fruity flavour.
Preparing the dish
Preparing the Linzer Kipferl is fairly straightforward and calls for only a few basic steps. To begin, set out and measure all your ingredients so the process runs smoothly. Be sure to take the butter out of the fridge in good time so it is soft enough to blend with the other ingredients. It also helps to warm the raspberry jam slightly so you can spread it evenly over the biscuits later.
Step-by-step instructions
- Cream the soft butter with the sugar and vanilla sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and mix well until you have a smooth, uniform mixture.
- Fold the flour, baking powder and ground almonds into the butter and sugar mixture.
- Knead the dough thoroughly, then wrap it in cling film and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and shape the crescents using a cutter.
- Place the crescents on the tray and bake in the oven for about 10–12 minutes.
- Once cooled, spread the crescents with raspberry jam and dust with icing sugar to taste.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of the Linzer Kipferl, you can swap the wheat flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure that all the ingredients you use, especially the baking powder and the jam, are gluten-free. For a lactose-free preparation, replace the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. With these adjustments, you can cater for intolerances too, without having to give up any of the delicious flavour. The same easy swaps work beautifully for Vanilla Crescents.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegans can adapt the Linzer Kipferl by replacing the egg with one of the many plant-based alternatives, such as ground flaxseed or apple purée. You should also make sure the butter is a vegan variety. Keep an eye on the source of the jam too, to ensure it contains no animal products. With these simple adjustments, vegans can enjoy these tender crescents to the full as well!
More tips and tricks
For the best results when baking Linzer Kipferl, a few handy tips go a long way. Make sure the consistency of the dough is right — it should not be too sticky. One trick is to dust the surface with a little flour if the dough becomes too sticky to handle. To bake the crescents evenly, it is worth preheating the oven and keeping an eye on them so they do not turn too dark. Another useful pointer is to use a baking mat, which makes it easy to lift the crescents off the tray.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The Linzer Kipferl lend themselves wonderfully to personal preference. Experiment with different kinds of jam — redcurrant or apricot, for example — to create new flavour combinations. You could also add nuts with different flavours or even chocolate chips for an extra bit of crunch. Variations like these keep the recipe versatile and ready to be reinvented again and again. If you love fruity bakes, the same spirit shines in a Linzer Torte.
Ingredient substitutions
If you would rather leave out certain ingredients, or have to, there are plenty of alternatives for the Linzer Kipferl. In place of sugar you can use honey or agave syrup to vary the sweetness. Instead of the ground almonds you could use other nuts such as hazelnuts or walnuts. With a little creativity you can tailor the original recipe to your own taste while still preserving the delicious character of the crescents.
Drink pairing ideas
A range of drinks pairs beautifully with the Linzer Kipferl and rounds off the experience. A classic Austrian coffee or a fragrant tea make ideal companions, bringing out the sweet filling and tender pastry at their best. For a cooler option, a fresh fruit juice or a non-alcoholic drink such as a sparkling hibiscus tea works wonderfully. These combinations ensure the pleasure of the crescents lingers long in the memory.
Serving and presentation ideas
An attractive presentation can heighten the enjoyment of the Linzer Kipferl even further. Serve the biscuits in a pretty tin or on a decorative plate, perhaps with a light glaze or a slightly different jam on top. A small decoration of fresh berries or edible flowers can round off the overall look perfectly. This creates an inviting atmosphere that will not only delight your guests but also show off your baking skills beautifully.
A bit of history
The Linzer Kipferl take their name from the city of Linz, which is known not only for its culture but also for its traditional cuisine. The biscuits were first documented in the 17th century and have since become a symbol of Austrian baking craft. Originally this recipe was a festive pastry, served on special occasions. Today they rank among the most famous and best-loved biscuits in all of Austria and have found many fans internationally too — a delicious calling card for Austrian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Linzer Kipferl
In summary, the Linzer Kipferl are not only a delicious pastry but also a piece of Austrian tradition. With their tender texture and fruity filling, they are the perfect companion to any coffee break or special occasion. Endlessly adaptable, they leave plenty of room for creativity in the kitchen. Whether in the classic version or with new ideas, a bite into a Linzer Kipferl will always be a pleasure.
