Almond Crescent Cookies are a delicate, buttery treat with a subtle almond flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Shaped like crescents and dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies are perfect for holidays, tea parties, or as a delightful snack any time of the year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Buttery and Tender: These cookies have a soft, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
- Classic Holiday Favorite: A traditional cookie that’s always a hit at gatherings.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples for easy preparation.
- Customizable: Add your favorite nuts or flavor variations for a personal touch.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract
- All-purpose flour
- Ground almonds or almond flour
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing well.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and ground almonds, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and shape it into a crescent. Place the crescent-shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, roll the cookies gently in powdered sugar to coat.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust with more powdered sugar before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Variations
- Nut Options: Substitute ground almonds with ground walnuts, hazelnuts, or pecans for a different flavor.
- Chocolate-Dipped: Dip one end of each cookie in melted chocolate for an extra indulgence.
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a warm, spiced twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure the almond flour is certified gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough or baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving or baking.
FAQs
1. Can I use almond flour instead of ground almonds?
Yes, almond flour works perfectly and gives the cookies a smooth texture.
2. Why do I roll the cookies in powdered sugar while warm?
The warmth helps the powdered sugar adhere better to the cookies.
3. Can I shape these cookies differently?
Yes, you can roll them into balls or logs instead of crescents.
4. Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, substitute the butter with vegan butter for a plant-based version.
5. How do I prevent the dough from crumbling?
Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, and mix the dough until it just holds together.
6. What type of almonds should I use?
Blanched almonds are ideal for a smooth dough, but raw almonds add a rustic touch.
7. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
8. Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling is not required but can help if your dough feels too soft to shape.
9. Can I use powdered sugar in the dough?
Granulated sugar is recommended for structure, but you can experiment with powdered sugar for a more delicate cookie.
10. How do I prevent overbaking?
Bake until the edges are just golden and keep an eye on them, as they can overbrown quickly.
Conclusion
Almond Crescent Cookies are a timeless treat that’s simple to make and universally loved. Their rich, buttery flavor and delicate almond aroma make them a standout addition to any dessert table. Whether you enjoy them during the holidays or as a daily indulgence, these cookies are sure to delight with every bite. Try them today and enjoy a classic cookie with a touch of elegance!
PrintAlmond Crescent Cookies
Almond Crescent Cookies are delicate, buttery cookies shaped like crescents and flavored with ground almonds and vanilla. With a light dusting of powdered sugar, they’re a classic treat perfect for holidays or any time you want a touch of sweetness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Cookies, Desserts
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: European
Ingredients
- 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (120 g) finely ground almonds (almond meal)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For dusting:
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream the butter and sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the vanilla:
- Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine the dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a dough forms.
- Shape the cookies:
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a log shape. Curve the log slightly to form a crescent shape. Place the crescents on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake the cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake.
- Dust with powdered sugar:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. While still slightly warm, generously dust them with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve.
- Cool completely:
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with more powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Notes
- Almond substitutes: You can use finely ground hazelnuts or walnuts for a variation on the classic flavor.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. These cookies also freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Vanilla sugar: For an extra touch of flavor, use vanilla sugar mixed with powdered sugar for dusting.