I did not grow up with these little gems. The first time I remember having them was just a few years ago. Sometimes they are referred to as cookies and sometimes cakes. They are definitely a cake texture but smaller like a cookies. They are easy to make and they are light and spongy with just a hint of sweetness. Add a cup of coffee or tea and grab a friend or relative and have a fun afternoon treat!
Lajos Kossuth was a journalist, politician, statesman, lawyer, and Governor-President of the Kingdom of Hungary during the revolution of 1848–49. The rumor is these little cakes were names after him because they were on of his favorite.
These are definitely not your typical kifli. Kifli is a word that causes endless confusion. But, if you think of kifli as a crescent shape, then you will see why the name fits. For more discussion on kifli, click here!
Ingredients
2 cups sugar
½ lb. butter (2 sticks)
9 eggs, separated
2 cups cake flour
2 tsp. baking powder
Grated rind and juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp. vanilla
Ground walnuts
Powdered sugar for dusting before serving
Cream butter and sugar until very light and fluffy. Add egg yolk and beat in. Fold in flour and baking powder. Add lemon rind and vanilla. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold in.
Bake in a greased and floured 11x16x2 inch pan. Sprinkle ground walnuts on top of batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Cool. Cut into half moons with a glass; sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Variations: You don’t have to use the ground walnuts. You can leave them off altogether or substitute with another nut. I imagine crushed almonds and almond extract would be a nice combination. Play around with the flavorings and find your favorite!
Half Moon Cakes – Kossuth Kifli
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ lb. butter 2 sticks
- 9 eggs separated
- 2 cups cake flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- Grated rind and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- Ground walnuts
- Powdered sugar for dusting before serving
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar until very light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolk and beat in.
- Fold in flour and baking powder.
- Add lemon rind and vanilla.
- Beat egg whites until stiff and fold in.
- Bake in a greased and floured 11x16x2 inch pan. Sprinkle ground walnuts on top of batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Cool.
- Cut into half moons with a glass; sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- Variations: You don’t have to use the ground walnuts. You can leave them off altogether or substitute with another nut. I imagine crushed almonds and almond extract would be a nice combination. Play around with the flavorings and find your favorite!
