Name: Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup finely ground almonds or almond flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup powdered sugar

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If you’ve never sunk your teeth into Almond Crescent Cookies before, you’re about to discover a crisp, tender, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s the star of cookie platters everywhere. Dusted with snowy powdered sugar and subtly perfumed with almond and vanilla, these little crescents are pure comfort with a delightful European flair. Whether you’re baking up a batch for the holidays or just because, Almond Crescent Cookies promise total crowd-pleasing power and a little bit of magic with every bite.

Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Almond Crescent Cookies lies in their short, sweet list of ingredients. Each one plays a unique role in building those nutty notes, delicate texture, and irresistible buttery crumb. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Creates a rich, tender base that lets almond flavors shine without any saltiness sneaking in.
Granulated Sugar (2/3 cup): Provides the perfect amount of sweetness and a hint of golden color as the cookies bake.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth, rounding out the almond flavor beautifully.
Almond Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the nutty aroma and makes the flavor of these cookies unmistakably nostalgic.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Provides structure while keeping the cookies soft and crumbly rather than crunchy.
Finely Ground Almonds or Almond Flour (1 cup): Infuses the dough with mellow almond flavor and a delicate, sandy texture.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to highlight the nutty sweetness and keep the flavors lively.
Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup, for dusting): That finishing touch of sweetness and snowy appearance that makes these cookies so special.

How to Make Almond Crescent Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Getting set up ahead of time means you can move smoothly from mixing to shaping without missing a beat.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture Almond Crescent Cookies are famous for—don’t rush it!

Step 3: Add Flavors

Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts. These add that signature scent and taste. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl, so every bit of dough gets a boost of aromatic goodness.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gently stir in the all-purpose flour, ground almonds (or almond flour), and salt. The dough will look crumbly at first—that’s exactly what you want. Switch to using your hands to bring the mixture together; your warmth will help the dough gather into a soft, workable mass.

Step 5: Shape the Crescents

Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough for each cookie. Roll gently between your palms to form a small log, then curve the ends to create a crescent moon shape. Place each cookie on the prepared sheet about two inches apart, so they have room to spread just a touch as they bake.

Step 6: Baking

Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until their edges blush golden but the tops remain pale. Keep a close eye—they bake quickly! Once out of the oven, let them sit on the sheet for about 5 minutes; this helps them firm up just enough for the next step.

Step 7: Sugar Dusting

While the cookies are still warm (but not piping hot), roll them gently in powdered sugar. This not only adds a classic, festive look but also melts ever-so-slightly for a soft coating. Let the Almond Crescent Cookies cool completely on a wire rack, then add another light snowfall of powdered sugar if you like a little extra sweetness.

How to Serve Almond Crescent Cookies

Garnishes

For the prettiest platter, give your Almond Crescent Cookies a final dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. You can also dip the ends in melted dark or white chocolate, then sprinkle with chopped toasted almonds or sparkling sanding sugar for extra flair.

Side Dishes

These cookies are right at home with a cup of strong coffee, espresso, or a pot of fragrant black or green tea. For festive occasions, serve alongside other European holiday treats like linzer cookies, gingerbread, or chocolate-dipped biscotti for a full-on cookie celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering Almond Crescent Cookies in a vintage tin between sheets of parchment for a charming homemade gift. Or, pile them high in a footed glass dish as an edible centerpiece. For extra charm at a party or cookie exchange, tie bundles with red baker’s twine and a sprig of rosemary or pine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Almond Crescent Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week, though I doubt they’ll last that long once everyone has a taste!

Freezing

If you want to get ahead for the holidays (or just make sure you always have a sweet treat on hand), freeze the fully cooled cookies in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months—just layer parchment between them to prevent sticking.

Reheating

These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you’d like to refresh them after freezing, let them thaw at room temp, then pop in a 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes. Give them a fresh dusting of powdered sugar after they cool for that just-baked look.

FAQs

Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour?

Absolutely! Almond meal works nicely in Almond Crescent Cookies, although the texture may be a tad more rustic. Both options bring wonderful almond flavor and tenderness to the dough.

What’s the secret to shaping perfect crescents?

Don’t overthink it—just roll the dough gently into a log and curve it. If your crescents look a little quirky, that simply adds homemade charm. If the dough cracks, press it back together with your fingers.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You sure can. Almond Crescent Cookies dough keeps well wrapped in plastic in the fridge for up to 2 days. Let it sit out for 30 minutes before shaping if it feels too firm.

Is it okay to skip the powdered sugar?

You certainly could, but the powdered sugar dusting is classic for this cookie. It adds a sweet, snowy finish and just the right touch of elegance, especially for gifting or holidays.

How do I prevent my Almond Crescent Cookies from spreading?

If you find that your cookies are spreading too much, simply chill the shaped crescents on the baking sheet in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes before baking. This helps keep those lovely moon shapes intact.

Final Thoughts

I hope you whip up these Almond Crescent Cookies and find your kitchen filled with the sweet scent of almonds and a little bit of joy. Trust me—the first bite is enchanting, but it’s the smiles and memories you’ll create that really make them special. Happy baking!

Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Almond Crescent Cookies are delicate, buttery, and nutty treats perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a sweet, almond-flavored indulgence. Coated in a light dusting of powdered sugar, these crescent-shaped cookies melt in your mouth with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely ground almonds or almond flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

For Dusting:

1/2 cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add extracts: Mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
Incorporate dry ingredients: Stir in flour, ground almonds, and salt until a crumbly dough forms.
Shape dough: Use your hands to bring the dough together. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and shape into a crescent.
Bake: Place shaped dough on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Coat with powdered sugar: Let cool for 5 minutes, then roll warm cookies in powdered sugar. Cool completely on a wire rack and dust with more powdered sugar if desired.