Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe
If you adore tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats with a delicate almond flavor, this Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These charming, buttery cookies have just the right amount of sweetness and a delightful crunch from finely chopped almonds. Perfectly crescent-shaped and dusted in a light coating of confectioners’ sugar, they make a festive addition to any holiday tray or a charming everyday indulgence. Once you make this Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds and sharing them with everyone you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe lies in its few, simple ingredients chosen for their essential roles. Each one contributes to the flavor, texture, and that iconic crescent shape, making this a wonderfully approachable recipe that yields bakery-quality results at home.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup/226g): Softened for creamy texture and rich, tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (⅔ cup/133g): Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- Pure vanilla extract (1½ teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- Almond extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the cookies with that unmistakable nutty aroma.
- All-purpose flour (2⅓ cups/292g): Provides structure without weighing down the dough.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon/8g): Keeps the cookies tender and crumbly.
- Finely chopped almonds (¾ cup/75g): Adds delightful crunch and reinforces almond flavor.
- Salt (⅛ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and boosts other flavors.
- Confectioners’ sugar (¾ cup/90g): For that final, snowy dusting of sweetness after baking.
How to Make Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
First things first, line your baking sheet or plates with parchment paper. This keeps your delicate cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Having your workspace ready will keep the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step takes about 3 minutes and is crucial for creating a light texture that will give the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Step 3: Add Flavors
Next, beat in the vanilla and almond extracts. These flavorings elevate the dough by infusing it with a warm, nutty aroma that’s signature to this Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe, so don’t skip this step!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine the flour, cornstarch, finely chopped almonds, and salt in a bowl. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Then increase to medium-high speed until it forms a cohesive dough. The chopped almonds will give texture and that lovely nutty bite.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and gently roll it into a crescent moon shape. This classic crescent form is what makes this recipe so special. Place each shaped cookie on your prepared parchment-lined sheet or plate, leaving enough space between.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Refrigerate the shaped cookies for at least 30 minutes or up to one day. This chilling step is essential to help the cookies maintain their shape during baking and to deepen their flavor.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and arrange the chilled cookies about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment or silicone mats. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, until the bottom edges turn golden brown and the tops are just barely tinged with color. This balance ensures a tender yet sturdy cookie.
Step 8: Cool and Coat
After baking, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, gently roll each cookie in confectioners’ sugar to create that iconic snowy coating that makes almond crescents so irresistible.
How to Serve Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of extra confectioners’ sugar makes the cookies look beautifully delicate and adds just a hint of extra sweetness. You can also sprinkle a few whole toasted almonds around the serving plate to hint at the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. For holiday occasions, serve with spiced mulled wine or hot cocoa to amplify cozy vibes and elevate your cookie experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies in a festive tin, layering them between parchment paper. Or arrange them in a crescent shape on your dessert platter to echo their form. You could even thread a few on a pretty ribbon for charming edible gifts that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store baked Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and tender for up to a week, making them perfect for enjoying over several days or sharing with friends throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the shaped dough before baking by placing the crescents on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookies can be baked straight from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes of baking time.
Reheating
While these cookies are delicious at room temperature, if you prefer a slightly warm treat, pop a few cookies in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes. This softens them just enough without losing that signature crumbly texture.
FAQs
Can I use almond flour instead of chopped almonds?
Yes, you can! Almond flour will give a more uniform texture and deepen the almond flavor, but you’ll miss out on that lovely crunchy bite the chopped almonds provide. For the classic texture, finely chopped almonds are best.
Do these cookies have to be crescent-shaped?
While the crescent shape is traditional and part of their charm, you can shape the dough into small balls or logs if preferred. Just be mindful the baking time may slightly vary with different shapes.
Can I substitute cornstarch with something else?
Cornstarch helps keep the cookies tender and crumbly, but if you don’t have any, you can use potato starch or tapioca starch as alternatives. Avoid skipping this ingredient entirely for best results.
Is there a vegan version of this Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe?
To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. Keep in mind the texture might be a bit different, but the flavor can still shine through beautifully.
How long do these cookies last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. They also freeze well for up to three months, making them a handy make-ahead treat.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and joyful about baking this Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe. The simple ingredients come together to create a cookie that’s tender, buttery, and rich with almond goodness in every bite. Whether for holidays, gatherings, or a quiet moment with your tea, these cookies promise happiness and warmth. I can’t wait for you to try them and make this delicious recipe a part of your own kitchen traditions.
Print
Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Almond Crescent Cookies are a delicate, buttery treat with a subtle almond flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings or an everyday indulgence. Made with finely chopped almonds and a hint of almond and vanilla extracts, these cookies are shaped into elegant crescent moons, baked to a golden perfection, and finished with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Ingredients
Butter Mixture
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup (133g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ⅓ cups (292g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
- 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch
- ¾ cup (75g) very finely chopped almonds (using a food processor)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Coating
- ¾ cup (90g) confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Prep: Line a baking sheet or plates with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and facilitate cooling.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. This process ensures a light texture.
- Add Extracts: Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts to infuse the dough with aromatic flavors.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, finely chopped almonds, and salt to the bowl. First mix on low speed until mostly combined, then increase to medium-high speed until the dough forms and pulls away from the sides.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and carefully shape it into a crescent moon. Place each shaped cookie on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them to allow for slight spreading. Continue until all dough is used.
- Chill: Refrigerate the shaped cookies for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 day, to firm them up and help them hold their shape during baking.
- Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Arrange the chilled cookies about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes until the bottoms turn golden and the tops are just lightly browned.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Coat: Once cooled, gently roll each cookie in confectioners’ sugar until fully coated, creating a classic snowy almond crescent finish.
Notes
- For best results, finely chop the almonds using a food processor to avoid large chunks that can affect cookie shape.
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature to allow for proper creaming with sugar.
- Chilling the dough helps maintain the crescent shape and prevents spreading during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
- You can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract if desired, but it will alter the flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
