If you have a soft spot for delicate, buttery treats with a hint of nutty charm, then you are going to absolutely adore this Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe. These little crescents are like tender clouds of almond-infused bliss that melt joyfully in your mouth, offering the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and that subtle crunch from toasted almonds. Every bite feels like a warm hug from a dear friend and makes the perfect companion for afternoon tea, special occasions, or just a quiet moment of indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients together for this recipe is refreshingly simple, but each one plays an essential role—from creating the perfect crumbly texture to bringing out that classic almond flavor and gentle sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (227 g, room temperature): The base for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture, softened for ease of mixing.
- Powdered sugar (60 g, sifted): Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate consistency in the dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A subtle aromatic lift that complements the almond beautifully.
- Almond extract (1 teaspoon, high quality): The star flavor that truly defines these cookies with its natural almond essence.
- Flour (250 g, sifted): Provides structure without weighing the cookies down.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Almond (125 g, almond flour, meal, or finely chopped toasted almonds): Adds nutty depth and a slight crunch to every bite.
- Powdered sugar (40 g, for coating): For that classic snowy dusting that makes the cookies look as heavenly as they taste.
How to Make Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating your room-temperature butter and sifted powdered sugar together with an electric hand mixer. This is where you create that light and fluffy base that gives your cookies a tender crumb. Mixing for a few minutes until it’s pale and airy is key for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Add Extracts and Fold in Dry Ingredients
Next, stir in the vanilla and almond extracts for that gorgeous aromatic foundation. Then, sift the flour and salt, folding them gently into the butter mixture with a rubber spatula—just until everything is combined to keep the dough delicate and crumbly. Don’t forget to add the almond flour or finely chopped almonds here for that unmistakable nutty bite.
Step 3: Shape the Crescent Dough
Prepare two baking trays lined with parchment paper. Using a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon measure, portion the dough into 25 to 28 equal-sized balls. If the dough feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes—it makes shaping easier! Roll each ball into a log about 5 inches long and then gently bend it into a crescent shape. If the dough cracks, simply press it back together without fuss.
Step 4: Chill the Shaped Cookies
Chilling the shaped crescents for at least an hour is a crucial step. This rest helps the cookies maintain their elegant shape in the oven without spreading out too much, preserving their delicate appearance and texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), avoiding the fan setting. Bake the chilled cookies for 15 to 17 minutes, watching closely so they’re done just right—the bottoms should turn a lovely golden hue while the tops remain a soft cream color. This gentle baking ensures the perfect balance of lightness and slight crispness.
Step 6: Cool and Coat with Powdered Sugar
Once baked, handle these beauties with care—they are very fragile while warm. Let them cool completely to room temperature before rolling them in powdered sugar. This dusting adds that signature snowy look and an extra touch of sweetness, which takes these Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe from delicious to downright irresistible.
How to Serve Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the traditional powdered sugar coating is perfection on its own, you can personalize your Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe with a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted almonds on top or gently drizzle them with melted white or dark chocolate for an elegant finish. A touch of edible gold dust can make them party-ready!
Side Dishes
These cookies shine most alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple yet luxurious dessert experience. Fresh berries serve as a refreshing counterpoint to the nutty richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies in a crescent shape on a festive platter, or stack them gently between parchment paper in a charming gift box for friends and family. For a cozy party, place them around a centerpiece of candles and blossoms to set a warm, inviting mood that invites everyone to indulge together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe leftovers (though unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Placing parchment paper between layers helps protect these delicate treats from crumbling.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature and dust with a little extra powdered sugar to refresh their charming appearance.
Reheating
Because almond crescents are best enjoyed cool, they don’t need reheating. Simply thaw frozen cookies at room temperature, and if you like, add a quick sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving to bring them back to their freshly baked look.
FAQs
Can I use almond flour instead of chopped almonds?
Absolutely! You can substitute finely ground almond flour or almond meal for chopped almonds. It will give the cookies a smoother texture, but still retain that lovely almond flavor.
Why do the cookies need to be chilled before baking?
Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their delicate crescent shape during baking and prevents them from spreading too much, ensuring that classic look and texture you expect.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup. Just be sure it’s a blend designed for baking so the texture remains tender and light.
How long do Almond Crescent Cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container with parchment layers, these cookies stay fresh and delicious for about one week at room temperature.
Is there a way to make these cookies more crunchy?
If you prefer a crunchier cookie, try toasting the chopped almonds before folding them into the dough. This enhances the nutty flavor and gives a lovely crisp bite.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making and sharing this Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe. Its simplicity, elegance, and incredible flavor make it one of those timeless treats you will want to bake again and again. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and create some magic in your kitchen—you won’t regret it!
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Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 28 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Almond Crescent Cookies are buttery, delicate treats flavored with vanilla and almond extracts and coated in powdered sugar. Perfectly crescent-shaped and tender, they offer a lightly sweet, nutty flavor with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Ideal for holiday gatherings or any time you want an elegant, homemade cookie.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 227 g Unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 60 g Powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Almond extract (high quality, natural extract)
- 250 g Flour (sifted)
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 125 g Almonds (almond flour, almond meal, or toasted and finely chopped)
Coating
- 40 g Powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric hand mixer, beat the room-temperature butter and sifted powdered sugar together for a few minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Mix in both the vanilla and almond extracts until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour and salt. Gently fold this mixture into the creamed butter using a rubber spatula just until the dough comes together, being careful not to overmix. Fold in the almonds evenly.
- Prepare Baking Trays: Line two baking trays with parchment paper to ensure cookies don’t stick during baking.
- Shape the Cookies: Use a small ice cream scoop (about 1 tablespoon) to portion the dough into 25–28 balls. If the dough is sticky, chill it briefly before shaping. Roll each ball into a log about 13 cm (5 inches) long, then curve it gently into a crescent shape. Press any cracks back together as needed.
- Chill the Shaped Cookies: Place the shaped crescents in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chilling step helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading during baking.
- Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), without fan convection. Bake the chilled cookies for 15–17 minutes, watching carefully so that the bottoms turn golden while the tops stay pale.
- Cool Cookies: Handle the freshly baked cookies gently as they are delicate when hot. Allow them to cool to room temperature on the baking sheets to firm up.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Place the 40 g of powdered sugar in a bowl. Once cooled, gently roll the cookies in the powdered sugar until they are evenly coated.
- Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and re-coat with powdered sugar if needed.
Notes
- Chilling the dough and shaped cookies is critical to prevent spreading and maintain shape during baking.
- If using chopped almonds instead of almond flour or meal, toast them lightly for enhanced flavor.
- Handle cookies carefully when warm as they are fragile until fully cooled.
- Use high-quality almond extract for best flavor.
- Re-coating with powdered sugar after freezing and thawing refreshes the appearance and sweetness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
