Buttery and nutty crescent-shaped cookies with a delicate almond flavor, these Almond Crescent Cookies are dusted with powdered sugar for the perfect holiday or teatime treat. They melt in your mouth while offering just the right touch of sweetness and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple to make: With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Perfect for holidays: Their crescent shape and powdered sugar coating make these cookies festive and elegant.
Versatile treat: Ideal for pairing with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk, and they fit right in with any cookie platter.
Delightful flavor: The almond extract and almond flour bring a nutty richness that complements the buttery base beautifully.
Make-ahead friendly: These cookies store well, making them great for preparing in advance.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp almond extract
11/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds)
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and almond flour until the dough forms. The dough might look crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
Take about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, and then shape it into a crescent. Arrange the crescents on the prepared baking sheet with some space between them.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, dust them generously with powdered sugar.
Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 150 kcal per cookie
Variations
Pistachio crescents: Replace almond flour with ground pistachios and swap the almond extract for pistachio extract.
Chocolate-dipped: After baking, dip one end of each cookie in melted chocolate and let them set.
Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend along with almond flour.
Spiced version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
Citrus twist: Include a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a refreshing citrus note.
Storage/Reheating
Room temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies (without powdered sugar) in a single layer for up to 3 months. Dust with sugar after thawing.
Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but you can warm them slightly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes if desired.
Related Recipes:
FAQs
How do I prevent the dough from crumbling too much?
The dough might appear crumbly at first, but it should come together when pressed. Ensure the butter is at room temperature and mix thoroughly.
Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes, ground hazelnuts or walnuts work well as a substitute for almond flour.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for longer storage. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Ensure that the butter isn’t overly soft, and chill the dough briefly if necessary before shaping and baking.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, substitute the butter with vegan butter or margarine. Ensure that your sugar is vegan-certified.
Conclusion
Almond Crescent Cookies are a timeless treat that’s both elegant and delicious. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich almond flavor, they’re perfect for holidays, special occasions, or an everyday indulgence. Whether dusted with powdered sugar or dipped in chocolate, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Give them a try and share the joy with friends and family!
📖 Recipe:
Print
Almond Crescent Cookies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in buttery, nutty Almond Crescent Cookies, a classic holiday treat that melts in your mouth. Perfectly shaped and dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies bring a delicate almond flavor to your teatime or festive dessert table.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds)
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
- Gradually mix in all-purpose flour and almond flour until dough forms. (It may appear crumbly but should hold when pressed.)
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll into a ball, and shape into a crescent. Place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar.
- Serve and enjoy your homemade Almond Crescent Cookies!
Notes
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
Enhance flavors with a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom.
To avoid spreading, ensure butter isn’t overly soft and chill the dough briefly if necessary.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150 kcal
