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!

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Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe

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  • Author: Stacy Corbo
  • 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

Units Scale

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

  1. Prep: Line a baking sheet or plates with parchment paper.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy (about 3 minutes).   
  3. Add Extracts: Beat in the vanilla and almond extracts.
  4. 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.
  5. Shape Cookies: Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and shape into a crescent moon. Place on the prepared sheet/plate. Repeat with the remaining dough.
  6. Chill: Refrigerate the shaped cookies for at least 30 minutes (up to 1 day).
  7. 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.
  8. Bake: Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until golden brown on the bottom edges and barely browned on top.
  9. Cool: Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack.
  10. 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

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