Traditional Hungarian Lekváros Kifli (Jam-Filled Crescent Cookies)

Hungarian Lekváros Kifli are delicate crescent-shaped cookies filled with sweet fruit jam and finished with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. Lekvár means fruit preserve or jam, while kifli refers to the traditional crescent shape.

These little pastries are especially lovely with coffee or tea and make a beautiful addition to a Hungarian Christmas or holiday cookie tray.

Why You’ll Love These Lekváros Kifli

• Tender, buttery pastry
• Sweet fruit-jam center
• Beautiful traditional crescent shape
• Simple homemade ingredients
• Perfect for Christmas and celebrations
• Easy to prepare ahead of time

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 300 g all-purpose flour
• 200 g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 100 g sour cream
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling

• 150–180 g thick apricot or plum jam

For Finishing

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

How to Make Hungarian Lekváros Kifli

1. Make the Dough

Place the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.

Add the cold butter and work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add the sour cream, egg yolk, and vanilla.

Mix just until the dough comes together. Avoid overworking it.

2. Chill the Dough

Shape the dough into a disk and wrap it.

Refrigerate for approximately 1 hour. Chilling makes the dough easier to roll and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

3. Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F.

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

4. Roll and Cut

Divide the chilled dough into two portions.

On a lightly floured surface, roll one portion into a thin circle approximately 3 mm thick.

Cut the circle into wedges, similar to cutting a pizza.

5. Add the Jam

Place approximately ½ teaspoon of thick jam near the wide end of each wedge.

Don’t add too much filling, as excess jam can leak during baking.

Apricot and plum are excellent choices for a traditional Hungarian flavor.

6. Shape the Crescents

Starting from the wide end, gently roll each wedge toward its pointed end.

Curve the ends slightly inward to create the characteristic crescent shape.

Place the kifli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Repeat with the remaining dough.

7. Bake

Bake for approximately 15–18 minutes, or until the bottoms and edges are lightly golden.

The tops should remain relatively pale rather than becoming deeply browned.

8. Finish with Powdered Sugar

Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes.

While they are still slightly warm, dust generously with powdered sugar.

Let them cool completely before serving.

Tips for the Best Lekváros Kifli

Use thick jam or fruit preserves rather than a thin, runny jam. This significantly reduces leaking during baking.

Keep the dough cool while shaping the cookies. If it becomes very soft, return it to the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes.

Don’t overfill the crescents. A small amount of concentrated fruit filling is enough.

Best Jam for Lekváros Kifli

Two excellent choices are apricot jam and plum jam, both flavors strongly associated with Central European baking.

You can make separate batches with different fillings to create variety on a holiday cookie platter.

How to Store Lekváros Kifli

Once completely cooled, keep the cookies in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for several days.

Separate layers with parchment paper to protect their powdered-sugar coating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Lekváros Kifli mean?

Lekváros refers to a jam or fruit-preserve filling, while kifli describes the crescent shape.

What jam should I use?

Thick apricot or plum preserves work particularly well. Avoid very runny jams because they are more likely to escape from the pastry while baking.

Why is my jam leaking out?

The cookies may have been overfilled, the jam may have been too thin, or the dough may have become too warm before baking.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare and refrigerate the dough in advance, then roll, fill, and bake the cookies when you’re ready.

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Title: Traditional Hungarian Lekváros Kifli (Jam-Filled Crescent Cookies)