Almond Crescent Cookies

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Tender, buttery, and delicately nutty, Almond Crescent Cookies are a timeless treat with old-world charm. These crescent-shaped delights crumble in your mouth and are coated in a snowfall of powdered sugar, making them just as beautiful as they are delicious. Perfect with coffee or tea, they offer that nostalgic comfort that instantly transports you to grandma’s holiday table.

Each bite brings the rich flavor of toasted almonds, the warmth of vanilla, and the perfect hint of sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or simply craving a cozy homemade dessert, these cookies promise to delight.

Why You’ll Love This Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe

• Melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to a rich buttery dough.
• No fancy tools required—just mix, shape, and bake.
• Great for holidays or gifting because they stay fresh and travel well.
• Naturally egg-free, making them allergy-friendly for many.

What Makes Crescent Cookies Crescent-Shaped?

Their iconic moon-like shape is more than just for looks. Forming the dough into crescents helps them bake evenly and creates a delicate edge that crisps beautifully while the inner crumb stays soft. It also honors their traditional European roots—often served during festive seasons in Austria, Germany, and Italy.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and tender texture. Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
• Powdered sugar: Used in the dough for a smooth crumb and for coating the cookies.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie, providing structure.
• Finely ground almonds: The key to the nutty flavor and slightly chewy texture.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and aroma.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors.

How To Make the Almond Crescent Cookies

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract and salt, followed by the finely ground almonds.

Step 2: Add Flour and Shape

Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour until the dough forms. Use your hands to gently knead it together. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and shape it into a small log. Curve the log slightly to form a crescent.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Place all shaped crescents on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during baking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Bake the cookies for 15 to 18 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.

Step 5: Dust While Warm

Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes, then gently roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. This helps the sugar stick better. Once fully cooled, dust again for a snowy finish.

Serving These Almond Crescent Cookies

These cookies make 24 crescents and serve about 8 to 10 people depending on portion size. They’re perfect for cookie exchanges, afternoon tea, or holiday dessert platters. Pair them with espresso, hot cocoa, or mulled wine for a cozy touch.

How to Store Almond Crescent Cookies

Let the cookies cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them in layers separated by parchment paper in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and re-dust with powdered sugar if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use almond flour instead of ground almonds?
Yes, finely blanched almond flour works well, though you may notice a slightly finer texture.

2. Why did my cookies spread too much?
Most likely the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Chilling helps them keep their shape.

3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.

4. Are these cookies very sweet?
The dough itself isn’t overly sweet, but the powdered sugar coating adds plenty of sweetness.

5. Can I toast the almonds first?
Toasting the almonds deepens their flavor—just be sure to let them cool before grinding.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these almond crescent cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Small Batch Almond Joy Cookies with coconut and chocolate.
• Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies for a Ferrero Rocher-inspired twist.
• Candy Cane Cookies for peppermint lovers.
• No Bake Pecan Pie Balls for a quick treat.
• Vanilla Pecan Pralines with meltaway magic.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toast the almonds or skip it? Did you try dipping the ends in chocolate?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

For more cozy cookie creations and daily baking ideas, follow me on Life With Livia.

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