In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the egg yolks, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it, and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes.
2. Make the Walnut-Fig Filling
Place the chopped figs, ground walnuts, sugar, milk, cinnamon, and lemon zest in a small saucepan.
Cook over low heat for approximately 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture becomes thick and spreadable.
Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Allow the filling to cool completely.
3. Roll and Cut the Dough
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Divide the chilled dough into two portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle on a lightly floured surface.
Cut each circle into small wedges, similar to slicing a pizza.
Place a small amount of walnut-fig filling near the wide end of each wedge.
4. Shape the Kifli
Starting at the wide end, carefully roll each piece toward the pointed end.
Curve the ends slightly to create the classic crescent shape.
Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet with the point tucked underneath.
5. Bake
Bake for approximately 12–16 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Do not overbake—the cookies should remain tender and delicate.
6. Finish
Allow the kifli to cool for several minutes.
While still slightly warm, generously dust them with powdered sugar.
Let them cool completely before serving.
Tips for Perfect Kifli
Keep the dough chilled so it remains easy to handle.
Chop the figs finely so the filling spreads smoothly.
Don’t overfill the crescents, as the filling may escape during baking.
Use finely ground walnuts for a smoother filling.
Bake only until lightly golden for a tender texture.
A little lemon zest balances the sweetness of the figs and sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these walnut-fig kifli with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They are particularly lovely on a holiday dessert tray alongside other Hungarian pastries and cookies.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 30 minutes Chill Time: 30–45 minutes Bake Time: 15 minutes Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes Servings: 24–30 cookies Cuisine: Hungarian Category: Cookies / Dessert
Tender pastry, fragrant walnuts, sweet figs, and a snowy coating of powdered sugar make these Hungarian-inspired kifli a wonderfully elegant homemade treat.
