These Almond Crescent Cookies are delicate, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. With a subtle almond flavor and a coating of sweet confectioners’ sugar, they’re perfect for holiday baking, tea time, or any occasion that calls for a special treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicate and Buttery: These cookies have a tender, buttery texture that practically melts in your mouth.
- Subtle Almond Flavor: The combination of almond extract and finely chopped almonds creates a delightful almond flavor that’s not overpowering.
- Beautiful Crescent Shape: The crescent shape adds a touch of elegance to these cookies, making them perfect for gifting or special occasions.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Almond Crescent Cookies:
- Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, for a rich and tender cookie.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a creamy texture.
- Pure vanilla extract and almond extract: Enhances the flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure.
- Cornstarch: Contributes to a tender texture.
- Finely chopped almonds: Adds texture and flavor.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Confectioners’ sugar: For coating the cookies.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Almond Crescent Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
Step 2: Add Extracts
Add the vanilla and almond extracts and beat on medium-high speed until combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add the flour, cornstarch, finely chopped almonds, and salt. Beat on low speed until mostly combined, then turn the mixer up to medium-high speed and beat until the dough fully comes together. The dough will be very thick.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Scoop 1 tablespoon (20g) of dough and shape it into a crescent moon. Place the shaped cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 day.
Step 5: Preheat and Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Arrange the chilled cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until golden brown on the bottom edges and just barely browned on top.
Step 6: Cool and Coat
Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Gently roll each crescent cookie in confectioners’ sugar to coat completely.
Step 7: Serve and Store
Cookies stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures that the ingredients combine smoothly.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the dough: Chilling is essential for these cookies to hold their shape and prevent spreading.
- Finely chop the almonds: Use a food processor for best results.
- Toast the almonds (optional): Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor.
How to Serve Almond Crescent Cookies
- As a Treat: These cookies are perfect for a sweet treat any time of day.
- With Tea or Coffee: Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
- As a Gift: Package them in a decorative box or bag for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Make Ahead Instructions:
You can shape the cookies and refrigerate them for up to 1 day before baking.
Freezing Instructions:
Baked and coated cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Unbaked, shaped cookie dough crescents freeze well for up to 3 months. Bake frozen cookie dough crescents for an extra minute, no need to thaw.
FAQs
Can I use almond flour?
It’s strongly recommended to grind almonds yourself for a coarse texture. Coarse almond meal can be used in a pinch, but not fine almond flour.
Can I use other nuts?
Yes, you can use pistachios, hazelnuts, pecans, or walnuts.
Do I have to use a food processor?
If you don’t have a food processor, chop sliced almonds as finely as possible with a sharp knife.
Why are my cookies dry?
Dry cookies can be caused by using fine almond flour instead of coarsely ground almonds or overbaking.
There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for Almond Crescent Cookies that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
PrintAlmond Crescent Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Almond Crescent Cookies are delicate, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. With a subtle almond flavor and a coating of sweet confectioners’ sugar, they’re perfect for holiday baking, tea time, or any occasion that calls for a special treat.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (133g) granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/3 cups (292g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
- 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch
- 3/4 cup (75g) very finely chopped almonds (using a food processor)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Coating:
- 3/4 cup (90g) confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Prep: Line a baking sheet or plates with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy (about 3 minutes).
- Add Extracts: Beat in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, cornstarch, chopped almonds, and salt. Mix on low speed until mostly combined, then on medium-high speed until the dough comes together.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and shape into a crescent moon. Place on the prepared sheet/plate. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Chill: Refrigerate the shaped cookies for at least 30 minutes (up to 1 day).
- Preheat and Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Arrange the chilled cookies 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until golden brown on the bottom edges and barely browned on top.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Coat: Gently roll each cooled cookie in confectioners’ sugar to coat completely.
Notes
- Almonds: Use raw sliced almonds and finely chop them in a food processor.
- Toasting Almonds (Optional): Toast the almonds at 300°F (149°C) for 8 minutes before chopping.
- Other Nuts: You can use finely chopped pistachios, hazelnuts, pecans, or walnuts.
- Almond Flour: Do not use fine almond flour. Grind almonds yourself or use coarse almond meal for the best texture.
- Freezing: Baked and coated cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Unbaked, shaped cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg