Butter and sugar come together in the delicious recipe for Almond Crescent Cookies, a delightful treat that’s equally perfect for the festive season and any cozy afternoon indulgence. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and the enticing aroma of almond flavor wafting through your kitchen, these cookies are bound to steal the show. If you’re searching for a hassle-free dessert idea or a unique gift to delight friends and family, this recipe is a perfect addition to your collection. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee, served as part of a holiday cookie platter, or packed in a decorative tin as a gift, Almond Crescent Cookies are a timeless classic that never fails to impress.
The charm of Almond Crescent Cookies lies not only in their sweet and nutty taste but also in their elegant shape and enchanting presentation. Dusted generously with powdered sugar, these cookies look as good as they taste. Plus, their buttery crumb texture pairs beautifully with warm beverages, making them a popular choice for gatherings. Easy to make yet impressive enough for special occasions, these cookies can become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Almond Crescent Cookies
- Rich almond flavor that elevates these cookies to an indulgent treat.
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture is a delight for any cookie lover.
- Quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for busy bakers.
- Elegant shape that adds a sophisticated touch to your dessert table.
- Perfect for holiday gifting or sharing with loved ones.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this delectable baking experience, it’s key to prepare your workspace effectively. Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients, such as unsalted butter, granulated sugar, flour, almond extract, and blanched almonds. You will also need essential tools like a large mixing bowl, a whisk or electric mixer, a rolling pin, and parchment paper to line your baking sheets. These tools will not only streamline your process but also contribute to a smooth baking experience.
Ensure your butter is softened to the right consistency for easy blending with the sugar. It’s recommended to pre-measure everything, allowing for an efficient workflow. Remember, chilling the dough is essential in keeping your crescent shapes intact during baking, so plan accordingly to accommodate this resting period.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely ground blanched almonds (or almond flour)
Instructions
Step 1: Cream the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter together with powdered sugar. You’ll want to whip this until it’s light and fluffy, creating a creamy mixture that serves as the base for your cookies. This process incorporates air into the batter, giving your cookies a wonderfully tender texture.
Step 2: Add Flavorings
Once your butter and sugar mixture is fluffy, it’s time to infuse it with delightful flavors. Add the vanilla extract and almond extract, along with salt, mixing everything thoroughly. The salt will enhance the sweetness of the cookies while the extracts impart that distinctive nutty aroma and flavor.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to incorporate the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Gradually sift in the flour and finely ground almonds, mixing just until the dough holds together. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to tough cookies. The goal here is a soft, pliable dough that will mold beautifully into crescent shapes.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period is crucial—it keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking, helping to maintain their lovely crescent shape.
Step 5: Preheat and Prepare for Baking
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
After chilling, take out the dough and allow it to sit for a few minutes to soften slightly. Roll tablespoon-sized pieces of dough into about 2.5-inch logs and then curve them to form crescents. Place these on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
Step 7: Bake and Dust with Sugar
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 14–16 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet. While they’re still warm, generously dust each cookie with powdered sugar before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations
- Protein: Consider adding finely chopped nuts or even chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Vegetables: You can incorporate a touch of orange zest for a citrus twist that complements the almond flavor well.
- Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note that elevates the flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- Always chill the dough to help maintain the crescent shape during baking.
- Use blanched, finely ground almonds for the best texture and flavor.
- Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these cookies warm with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- Package them beautifully in a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful gift.
- Pair with assorted holiday treats on a dessert tray to impress your guests.
Tips
- For added sweetness, you might consider dipping the finished cookies in a chocolate glaze.
- Experiment with different extracts, such as hazelnut or maple, to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Use a kitchen scale for precise measurement of your ingredients for consistent results.
- If the dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for a bit longer before shaping the cookies.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chill time)
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 30mg
FAQs
How do I store Almond Crescent Cookies?
Store Almond Crescent Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their freshness, you can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend is suitable for baking to achieve the best results.
What can I use instead of almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract, you can use vanilla extract or other nut extracts like hazelnut or macadamia to impart a different yet delicious flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is easy to multiply. Just keep an eye on your baking time, as it may vary depending on batch sizes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Almond Crescent Cookies are a delightful addition to any dessert table, boasting a simple recipe that yields exquisite results. These cookies bring a touch of elegance and a burst of flavor that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re treating yourself, sharing with friends, or gifting loved ones, these cookies won’t disappoint. We encourage you to give them a try, experiment with variations, and let us know how they turn out. Happy baking!
Print
Almond Crescent Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chill time)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Butter and sugar come together in the delicious recipe for Almond Crescent Cookies, a delightful treat that’s equally perfect for the festive season and any cozy afternoon indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely ground blanched almonds (or almond flour)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter together with powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and almond extract, along with salt, mixing thoroughly.
- Gradually sift in the flour and ground almonds, mixing just until the dough holds together.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll tablespoon-sized pieces of dough into about 2.5-inch logs and curve them into crescent shapes.
- Bake for 14-16 minutes or until bottoms are lightly golden. Dust with powdered sugar while warm and cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Protein: 2 g