Few cookies melt in your mouth and instantly transport you to cozy holidays quite like the classic Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe. With their delicate, crumbly bite, gentle almond aroma, and irresistible coating of powdered sugar, these cookies are pure nostalgia and elegance in every crescent. Whether you’re sharing a festive tray, gifting to friends, or simply indulging in a quiet moment with coffee, this time-honored recipe is bound to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to unforgettable Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe success lies in the simplicity and quality of a few key ingredients. Each one brings delicious nuance, tender texture, and that signature flavor to every buttery bite.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter is essential for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb in each cookie.
- Powdered sugar: Brings gentle sweetness and creates the silky, snow-like finish traditional for these crescents.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the sweetness and rounds out the flavors with warmth.
- Almond extract: The magic ingredient—one teaspoon is all you need for that bold, unmistakable almond aroma.
- All-purpose flour: The reliable backbone, giving structure while keeping the cookies soft and crumbly.
- Finely ground almonds or almond flour: Almonds add rich, nutty notes and lighten the texture at the same time.
- Salt: Just a touch to balance the sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
How to Make Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter & Sugar
Start by combining the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat them until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like—this is how you ensure every bite will be rich and delicate. It’s the foundation for a perfect Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe!
Step 2: Add the Extracts
Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts. These two flavorings not only add incredible aroma, but also give the cookies that classic almond bakery taste. Don’t rush here; a thorough mix guarantees even flavor in every crescent.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your flour, finely ground almonds (or almond flour), and salt to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed or with a spatula until a soft, cohesive dough forms. The dough should be barely sticky but easy to shape—if it’s too soft, a quick chill in the fridge will help.
Step 4: Shape the Crescents
Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form a small log. Gently bend each log into a crescent shape, pinching the ends slightly. This step is where tradition and a touch of personality come together—aim for even shapes, but don’t worry about perfection. Place each crescent onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, with about an inch of space between them.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your tray into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, watching closely at the end. They’re ready when the edges are just beginning to turn golden—not deep brown. This gentle bake ensures the cookies are crisp on the outside yet tender within.
Step 6: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Remove the crescents from the oven and let them cool on the tray for five minutes. While still slightly warm, dust them generously with more powdered sugar. This final touch not only looks beautiful, but also adds that extra melt-in-your-mouth sweetness Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe is known for.
How to Serve Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a pretty and flavorful finish, try an extra dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted almonds can add texture and charm. Serve them nestled on a platter lined with parchment or colorful tissue paper for a festive touch.
Side Dishes
Almond Crescent Cookies pair beautifully with freshly brewed coffee, aromatic black or green tea, or even a glass of cold milk. If you want to round out a dessert spread, serve alongside other classic European cookies or fruit preserves for a varied and elegant collection.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies in overlapping circles on your favorite plate, or stack them in a clear gift box tied with a ribbon for a homemade present. For a fun twist, dip the tips of the crescents in melted chocolate and let them set before serving. However you display them, the delicate crescent shapes will always steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe leftovers in an airtight container at cool room temperature. They’ll keep their irresistible texture for up to one week, though we doubt they’ll last that long once everyone gets a taste.
Freezing
To extend their life, these cookies freeze beautifully either finished or as unbaked dough. For baked cookies, cool fully and layer in an airtight container between waxed or parchment paper. Freeze for up to three months and dust with more powdered sugar after thawing to refresh their look.
Reheating
Almond Crescent Cookies don’t usually require reheating, but if you want to revive that just-baked aroma, you can warm them for a few minutes in a 275°F oven. Watch closely and don’t let them brown—they’re perfect with just their original pale color.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
While you can swap in more all-purpose flour, using almond flour or finely ground almonds gives the Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe its delicate flavor and crumbly texture. For a traditional taste, try to stick with almonds if possible.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much in the oven?
If your dough is very soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes before shaping and baking. This helps the cookies hold their pretty crescent shape.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The original Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe is not gluten-free since it uses all-purpose flour. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend for a similar result, knowing the texture may change slightly.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Shape the dough into crescents and refrigerate, tightly wrapped, for up to 24 hours before baking. Bring cookies to room temperature on the baking sheet before popping them in the oven.
What’s the best way to grind almonds for this recipe?
If you’re grinding your own almonds, use blanched (skinless) whole almonds and pulse them in a food processor until very fine, but stop before they turn into almond butter. Or, simply use store-bought almond flour for convenience.
Final Thoughts
Bring a bit of sweet tradition into your kitchen with this Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe. Each step, from shaping the dough to dusting on that last snowy layer of sugar, is a true labor of love—one your friends and family will appreciate with every delicious bite. Don’t wait for the holidays; there’s always a reason for a fresh batch of these delightful cookies. Happy baking!
Print
Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Almond Crescent Cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. With a buttery, nutty flavor and a dusting of powdered sugar, they are perfect for holiday gatherings or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely ground almonds or almond flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Flavors: Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, ground almonds, and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, shape into small crescents, and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Dust with Sugar: While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar.
- Cool: Let cool on a wire rack before serving or storing.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- For added texture, roll the crescents in chopped sliced almonds before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
