These Almond Crescent Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. With their delicate buttery texture and the gentle hint of almond extract, they’re a fantastic choice for holiday baking or any time you want to indulge in a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth moment. Dust them with powdered sugar, and you’ve got a cookie that’s both beautiful and delicious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely ground almonds (almond meal)
¼ teaspoon salt
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the almond extract until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, almond meal, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
Shape the dough into small crescent-shaped cookies by rolling small portions into logs and bending them gently.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the cookies remain pale.
Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, generously dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Variations
Gluten-Free: I can easily swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Just be sure to choose a good one designed for baking.
Nut-Free: If I don’t have ground almonds on hand or need to make the cookies nut-free, I can replace the almond meal with extra all-purpose flour.
Other Flavorings: While almond extract is traditional, I can experiment with other extracts like vanilla or hazelnut for a different twist.
Storage/Reheating
These almond crescent cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They stay fresh and delicious, so there’s no need to worry about them going stale quickly. If I want to keep them for a longer period, I can freeze them. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will last up to 3 months. To reheat, I can place them in a warm oven for a few minutes or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a cool treat.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
I recommend using unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be substituted if you don’t have butter on hand. Just keep in mind the texture may be slightly different.
How can I make the dough easier to shape?
If the dough feels too soft or sticky, I can chill it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before shaping the cookies. This helps make it firmer and easier to work with.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, I can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Then, I can shape and bake the cookies when ready. Alternatively, I can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for a few days or freeze them for later.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
I look for a light golden color on the edges of the cookies. They should remain pale in the center, as the cookies are meant to be soft and tender, not fully browned.
Can I skip the powdered sugar dusting?
While the powdered sugar adds a lovely finishing touch, I can skip it if I prefer. The cookies will still be delicious and buttery without it.
Conclusion
Almond crescent cookies are the perfect balance of delicate texture, nutty flavor, and sweetness. Whether I’m preparing for a holiday gathering or just craving a treat, these cookies never disappoint. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, I can create a batch of cookies that are both elegant and irresistible. So, why not bake a batch today!
Recipe:
Almond Crescent Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These almond crescent cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. With their delicate buttery texture and the gentle hint of almond extract, they’re a fantastic choice for holiday baking or any time you want to indulge in a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth moment. Dust them with powdered sugar, and you’ve got a cookie that’s both beautiful and delicious.
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely ground almonds (almond meal)
¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the almond extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, almond meal, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the dough into small crescent-shaped cookies by rolling small portions into logs and bending them gently.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the cookies remain pale.
- Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, generously dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
To make nut-free, replace the almond meal with additional all-purpose flour.
You can experiment with other extracts like vanilla or hazelnut instead of almond extract.
If the dough is too sticky, chill it for 20-30 minutes before shaping.
The dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
