There is something irresistibly delightful about the Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe that makes it a must-bake for anyone who loves a delicate, buttery cookie with a hint of almond aroma. These crescent-shaped treats are crisp on the outside yet tender on the inside, boasting finely chopped almonds that add a subtle crunch and rich texture. Coated in confectioners’ sugar, every bite melts in your mouth and offers a comforting, nostalgic flavor that turns simple ingredients into a magical dessert experience. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because, this Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe will quickly become one of your treasured classics.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays an essential role in crafting the perfect Almond Crescent Cookies. From the creamy butter to the fragrant almond extract, every ingredient enhances the cookie’s flavor and texture in its own unique way.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup / 226g): Softened butter adds creamy richness and helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (â…” cup / 133g): Balances the buttery flavor with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoons): Intensifies the cookie’s warmth and adds depth to the flavor profile.
- Almond extract (1 teaspoon): The star ingredient that infuses the cookies with their signature subtle almond aroma.
- All-purpose flour (2 â…“ cups / 292g): The base of the cookie dough, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon / 8g): Keeps the cookies delicate and crumbly rather than tough.
- Very finely chopped almonds (¾ cup / 75g): Add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor while blending smoothly into the dough.
- Salt (â…› teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness from butter and sugar.
- Confectioners’ sugar (¾ cup / 90g): For the final dusting, lending a snowy, sweet coating and stunning presentation.
How to Make Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
Start by lining your baking sheets or plates with parchment paper to ensure the cookies won’t stick after baking or chilling. Having everything organized ahead of time sets you up for a smooth baking process.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth, fluffy, and light in color — this usually takes about three minutes. This step is crucial because it creates the base for tender, buttery cookies with the perfect texture.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Almond Extracts
Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts to the butter and sugar blend. The vanilla adds warmth while the almond extract highlights the nutty flavor that makes this recipe so beloved.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, finely chopped almonds, and salt to your wet ingredients. Start mixing on low speed to avoid flour dust clouds, then increase to medium-high until the dough just comes together. This gives you a dough that’s soft but easy to handle.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon measure, scoop out portions of dough and gently roll into crescent moons, the signature shape of these cookies. Place each shaped piece on your prepared baking sheets or plates, spacing them comfortably apart.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Pop the shaped cookies into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough, helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking, and results in better texture.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Arrange the chilled cookies about 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets or silicone mats. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown while the tops remain just barely colored. This subtle browning ensures that perfect tender bite.
Step 8: Cool and Coat
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once they’re completely cool, gently roll each cookie in confectioners’ sugar until fully coated. This final step adds a delicate sweetness and gives the Almond Crescent Cookies their classic, snowy appearance.
How to Serve Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, consider dusting an extra light layer of confectioners’ sugar just before serving. For a festive touch, sprinkle finely chopped toasted almonds on top, which adds extra crunch and a gorgeous contrast.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. For a special occasion, serve alongside fresh fruit like raspberries or mandarin orange slices to balance their buttery sweetness with bright, fresh notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the Almond Crescent Cookies on a beautiful platter alongside sprigs of fresh herbs like rosemary or mint to add festive color. Stack them gently between layers of parchment paper in a decorative tin for gifting or party favors that will wow your friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, perfect for a prolonged treat.
Freezing
You can freeze both the shaped dough and baked cookies. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. For baked cookies, layer them in a container separated by parchment paper and freeze similarly, allowing you to enjoy these treats whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your Almond Crescent Cookies warm, simply let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature for 15 minutes or warm briefly in a low oven (300°F / 150°C) for 5 minutes. This refreshes their crisp edges and brings out the fragrant almond flavor.
FAQs
Can I use almond flour instead of chopped almonds?
While almond flour might seem like a convenient substitute, finely chopped almonds provide the essential crunchy texture and appearance for this recipe. Almond flour would make the cookies softer and might change the intended structure.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, you can use arrowroot powder or potato starch in the same amount. These alternatives similarly help give the cookies a tender crumb.
How do I shape the crescents evenly?
Using a tablespoon to scoop the dough helps maintain consistent size. Gently roll the dough between your hands into a small log, then curve it into a crescent shape. Keep them uniform for even baking and a lovely presentation.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This particular Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe is not gluten-free because it uses all-purpose flour. To make a gluten-free version, you could experiment with a gluten-free flour blend but results may vary.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough firms it up, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also helps the flavors meld and results in a more delicate, crumbly texture once baked.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason why the Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe remains a cherished favorite in many kitchens – it’s simply that good. The buttery flavor, perfect texture, and that cozy almond aroma combine to create a cookie that feels like a warm hug. I cannot recommend baking this recipe enough, whether you’re sharing with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment yourself. Trust me, once you make these cookies, they’ll become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
Print
Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Almond Crescent Cookies are delicate, buttery treats with a subtle almond flavor and a tender texture. Perfectly shaped into crescent moons and dusted with powdered sugar, they offer a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience for holiday gatherings or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- â…” cup (133g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 â…“ cups (292g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
- 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch
- ¾ cup (75g) very finely chopped almonds (using a food processor)
- â…› teaspoon salt
For Coating
- ¾ cup (90g) confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Prep: Line a baking sheet or plates with parchment paper to prepare for shaping and chilling the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth, creamy, and well combined, approximately 3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add Extracts: Beat in the pure vanilla extract and almond extract to infuse the dough with aromatic flavors.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, finely chopped almonds, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until ingredients are mostly incorporated, then increase speed to medium-high and continue mixing until the dough forms a cohesive ball.
- Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon measure, scoop out dough and shape each portion gently into a crescent moon shape. Place each shaped cookie onto the prepared baking sheet or plate, leaving space between them.
- Chill: Refrigerate the shaped cookies for a minimum of 30 minutes to firm up the dough, which helps maintain the crescent shape during baking. You can chill for up to 1 day if prepping ahead.
- Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Arrange chilled cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies turn golden brown and the tops are just beginning to brown lightly.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire cooling rack.
- Coat: Once completely cooled, gently roll each cookie in confectioners’ sugar until fully coated, giving them a snowy, festive appearance.
Notes
- Using very finely chopped almonds helps better incorporate the nuts into the dough and maintain a tender texture.
- Chilling the shaped cookies is essential to prevent spreading and loss of shape during baking.
- Ensure the butter is softened (not melted) for optimal creaming and texture development.
- Store the almond crescents in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
- For a stronger almond flavor, you may add a bit more almond extract, but avoid overpowering the cookie’s delicate balance.
