If you adore delicate, buttery pastries with a nutty twist, this Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe is about to become your new go-to treat. These charming little crescents are tender, melt-in-your-mouth wonders dusted with just the right amount of powdered sugar, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and almond flavor in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply craving a satisfying snack, this recipe brings simplicity and elegance together in the most delightful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step toward cookie perfection. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the tender texture, rich flavor, and beautiful look of your Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe.
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Provides the rich, creamy base and helps achieve those tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumbs.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the dough delicately and contributes to the cookie’s soft, fine texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to balance the almond flavor perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Infuses the dough with that unmistakably nutty essence central to this recipe.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure to your cookies, ensuring they hold their shape beautifully.
- 1 cup almond flour: Introduces a subtle nuttiness and tender crumb unique to almond crescent cookies.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting: The finishing touch that adds a snowy, festive look and a touch of extra sweetness.
How to Make Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Begin by beating 1 cup of unsalted butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is crucial because properly creamed butter and sugar help create the tender texture that defines these cookies.
Step 2: Add the Extracts
Next, stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract along with 1/2 teaspoon almond extract. These extracts bring out the warm, nutty aroma that makes this Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe irresistibly fragrant and tasty.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup almond flour, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Be gentle to combine everything well without overworking the dough, which keeps the cookies tender and delicate.
Step 4: Shape the Crescents
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and gently roll it into a small log. Then, curve it into a crescent shape and arrange each piece on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This shaping step gives the cookies their signature look and makes them feel extra special.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your cookies in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn a light golden color, signaling the perfect bake without overcooking.
Step 6: Dust and Cool
Once baked, let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes before dusting generously with powdered sugar while they’re still slightly warm. This step ensures the sugar sticks beautifully, creating that classic snowy effect. Allow them to cool completely before serving.
How to Serve Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, try adding a few toasted almond slices on top before baking, or sprinkle some finely chopped pistachios along with the powdered sugar dusting. A light drizzle of white chocolate can also elevate presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
These almond crescents pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even a nutty hot chocolate. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salads or cream cheese spreads to balance the cookies’ sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe into beautiful gifts by packing them in decorative tins or wrapping stacks in parchment tied with ribbon. Displaying them on a tiered dessert tray alongside other small sweets makes for a stunning holiday centerpiece that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover almond crescent cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for up to a week, letting you enjoy their delicate flavor days after baking.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring them into a freezer-safe bag or container once fully frozen. This method keeps them fresh for up to 3 months without losing any of their buttery charm.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked feeling, warm the cookies gently in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave, which can make them soft or chewy in an undesirable way.
FAQs
Can I use almond extract only, or is vanilla extract necessary?
While the almond extract is the star flavor, the vanilla extract adds warmth and balances the nuttiness. For the best flavor symmetry in the Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe, it’s worth including both.
Is almond flour essential, or can I substitute it?
Almond flour is key to achieving the unique tender texture and subtle nutty flavor in these cookies. Using only all-purpose flour would result in a completely different texture and less distinctive taste.
How thin should I shape the crescents?
The dough logs should be modestly sized, about one tablespoon each, and gently curved to form crescents about 2 to 3 inches long. This size ensures even baking and the ideal tender bite.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Since this recipe relies on all-purpose flour, substituting with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup should work, but results may vary. Almond flour helps keep them moist, so be sure to maintain that ingredient.
Why dust the cookies with powdered sugar while warm?
Dusting when warm allows the powdered sugar to adhere nicely to the surface, creating that classic snowy look. If you wait until the cookies cool completely, the sugar may not stick as well or might blow off easily.
Final Thoughts
Baking these Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a cozy, sweet hug—simple ingredients coming together with love to produce irresistibly tender and flavorful treats. Whether you’re a cookie enthusiast or just looking for a beautiful dessert to share with friends, these cookies will quickly become a treasured classic in your baking repertoire. So grab your mixing bowl and start creating those buttery, nutty crescents today!
Print
Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delightful Almond Crescent Cookies are buttery, tender, and nutty with a delicate almond flavor. Perfectly crescent-shaped and dusted with powdered sugar, they make a wonderful treat for holidays, tea time, or any special occasion. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, these cookies bake to a golden perfection with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Finishing
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating the base for your dough.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, which enhance the cookie’s rich almond aroma and deepen the flavor profile.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Stir in 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup almond flour, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix until everything is fully combined into a smooth dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the dough, roll it into a small log, then gently shape each log into a crescent form. Place each shaped cookie evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden color, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool and Dust: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then dust generously with powdered sugar while they are still slightly warm. Allow them to cool completely before serving to ensure they hold their shape and texture.
Notes
- Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Make sure not to overbake; the cookies should be lightly golden, not brown.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- For an extra almond kick, sprinkle with slivered almonds before baking.
- Room temperature butter is essential for the right dough consistency.
