If you have a soft spot for tender, buttery cookies that melt in your mouth with just the right hint of almond, then you are in for a genuine treat with this Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe. These delicate crescent-shaped morsels are beautifully nutty from finely chopped almonds and perfectly sweetened with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering or simply craving a comforting home-baked delight, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Almond Crescent Cookies, the ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential for achieving that perfect texture and flavor. Each component plays a vital role, from the creamy butter that ensures a tender crumb to the almond extract that infuses every bite with its irresistible aroma.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The base for richness and moisture, softened for easy creaming.
- Granulated sugar (â…” cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, creamy dough.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor with warmth and depth.
- Almond extract (1 teaspoon): Gives the cookies their signature nutty and fragrant almond note.
- All-purpose flour (2 â…“ cups): Provides structure to the dough, spooned and leveled for accuracy.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps keep the cookies tender and delicate.
- Very finely chopped almonds (¾ cup): Adds texture and bursts of genuine almond flavor.
- Salt (â…› teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Confectioners’ sugar (¾ cup): For that signature snowy coating that completes each crescent beautifully.
How to Make Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
Start by lining a baking sheet or a couple of plates with parchment paper. This ensures your delicate crescents won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Prep always sets the mood for success!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar for about 3 minutes until the mixture is luxuriously smooth and creamy. This is where the magic begins, as this fluffy texture is the foundation for a tender cookie.
Step 3: Add the Extracts
Next, beat in the vanilla and almond extracts. These two simple ingredients will fill your kitchen with the most heavenly, inviting aroma, promising a delicious bite every time.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Incorporate the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, finely chopped almonds, and salt. Start mixing on low speed to avoid flour clouds, then increase to medium-high until the dough comes together. This step locks in the nutty texture and soft crumb.
Step 5: Shape Your Cookies
Scoop a tablespoon of dough and gently shape it into a crescent moon. Place each cookie on the prepared parchment-lined sheet. Keep a little distance between each, as they won’t spread too much but deserve their personal space.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Pop the tray of shaped cookies into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the crescents hold their shape while baking and develops their buttery flavor even deeper.
Step 7: Preheat and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Arrange the chilled cookies about 2 inches apart on parchment or silicone mats. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, watching for that perfect moment when the edges turn golden brown and the tops remain delicately pale.
Step 8: Cool and Coat
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once completely cool, roll each cookie gently in confectioners’ sugar until they are thoroughly coated, creating an enchanting, snowy finish.
How to Serve Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch of elegance, sprinkle a few extra finely chopped almonds on top of the fresh confectioners’ sugar coating. This adds a lovely crunch and highlights the almond flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea, a frothy cappuccino, or even some chilled milk. Their delicate sweetness complements a wide range of beverages, perfect for an afternoon treat or after-dinner indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your almond crescents in a beautiful circular pattern on a colorful platter with fresh berries or edible flowers at the center. You can also stack them in tiered cookie jars or wrap them in parchment for thoughtful homemade gifts that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Almond Crescent Cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Make sure they are fully cooled before storing to prevent any unwanted moisture from softening their delicate texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough crescent shapes before baking or the fully baked cookies coated in confectioners’ sugar. For dough, freeze on a parchment-lined tray and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Baked cookies freeze best in airtight containers with parchment layers to avoid sticking.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen cookies, allow them to thaw at room temperature, then warm gently in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to refresh their tender crumb and bring back that just-baked aroma. Avoid microwaving, which can soften the sugar coating too much.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract with something else?
While almond extract is key to the signature flavor, you can substitute with vanilla extract for a more subtle, but still delicious cookie. However, the unique aroma of almonds will be less pronounced.
Why do these cookies need cornstarch?
Cornstarch helps to tenderize the cookies by reducing the formation of gluten, resulting in a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s essential for Almond Crescent Cookies.
Can I use whole almonds instead of finely chopped almonds?
Using whole or roughly chopped almonds changes the cookie’s texture substantially. Finely chopped almonds distribute flavor evenly and avoid any overwhelming crunchy bits, keeping each bite perfectly balanced.
Is it necessary to chill the shaped dough before baking?
Chilling the dough solidifies the butter and helps the crescents hold their shape during baking. It also enhances the flavor, so it’s definitely worth the wait.
How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?
Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats ensures the Almond Crescent Cookies bake evenly and lift off easily without breaking.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making this Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe as much as I do sharing it with you. There’s something so comforting about baking these buttery, delicate treats that fill your kitchen with warmth and joy. Whether for special occasions or everyday happiness, these cookies are sure to become a beloved classic in your home. So grab your mixing bowl, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to a batch of these absolutely divine almond crescents!
Print
Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 36 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Almond Crescent Cookies are buttery, tender, and delicately flavored with vanilla and almond extracts. Shaped into crescent moons and coated with a sweet dusting of confectioners’ sugar, they make an elegant and delicious treat perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie 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
Finishing
- ¾ cup (90g) confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Prep: Line a baking sheet or plates with parchment paper to prepare for cookie shaping and baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes.
- Add Extracts: Beat in the vanilla and almond extracts to incorporate their flavors evenly into the butter and sugar mixture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, finely chopped almonds, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until mostly combined, then increase to medium-high speed until the dough forms a cohesive ball.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and form each into a crescent moon shape. Place the shaped cookies on the prepared parchment-lined sheet or plate.
- Chill: Refrigerate the shaped cookies for at least 30 minutes to firm up (can be chilled for up to 1 day).
- Preheat and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Arrange the chilled cookies about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Bake for 14-16 minutes, until the bottoms are golden brown and the tops are just lightly browned.
- Cool: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes post-baking, then transfer them onto a cooling rack to reach room temperature.
- Coat: Once cooled completely, gently roll each cookie in confectioners’ sugar until fully coated for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Use finely chopped almonds for better texture and distribution in the dough.
- Chilling the dough shapes prevents spreading and gives the cookies their crisp edges and tender center.
- Storing cookies in an airtight container keeps them fresh for up to a week.
- For a nut-free option, finely chopped white chocolate chips could be used instead of almonds, though texture will vary.
- Make sure to spoon and level the flour for accuracy to maintain the proper dough consistency.
