Hungarian Kiffles Recipe – Hungarian Special
Hungarian Kiffles, also known as Kifli, are traditional pastries featuring a rich, buttery dough and a range of fillings. Hailing from Central and Eastern Europe, especially Hungary, these delightful treats are crafted from a dough that combines flour, butter, and cream cheese, resulting in a tender and flaky texture. The pastries can be filled with sweet ingredients such as fruit preserves, nuts, or sweet cheese, and are typically shaped into crescents or triangles before baking. Kiffles are enjoyed as desserts, snacks, or during festive occasions, reflecting their significance in Hungarian culinary traditions.
- Prep Time15 min
- Cook Time10 min
- Perform Time8 hr
- Total Time8 hr 25 min
For the Dough Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
- 1 cup cream cheese (cold and cut into small cubes)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup fruit preserves (such as apricot, raspberry, or prune)
For Dusting:
- Powdered sugar (optional)
How to make Hungarian Kiffles
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of cold, cubed butter, and 1 cup of cold, cubed cream cheese. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will make the dough easier to handle.
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. If the dough is sticky, you can sprinkle a bit more flour.
Cut and Fill: Cut the dough into squares (about 2-3 inches on each side) or circles using a cookie cutter or knife.
Place a small spoonful of fruit preserves in the center of each piece.
Shape the Kiffles: Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle or crescent shape. Pinch the edges to seal. Alternatively, you can fold the dough into a triangle or roll it up if you prefer a different shape.
Bake: Place the filled Kiffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the Kiffles are golden brown.
Cool and Dust: Allow the Kiffles to cool on a wire rack.
Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
