Almond Crescent Cookies

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Every December, I find myself reaching for this recipe as soon as the first chill hits the air. Almond Crescent Cookies are more than just a holiday classic — they’re a delicate, buttery treat that melts in your mouth and delivers a light crunch of finely ground almonds in every bite. There’s something cozy and nostalgic about baking these crescent-shaped cookies, especially when the scent of vanilla and roasted nuts begins to fill the kitchen.

I’ve baked dozens of cookie types over the years, but nothing wins hearts quite like these. They’re elegantly simple, beautifully shaped, and dusted in a generous snowfall of powdered sugar. Whether for a cookie exchange, a festive dessert platter, or just a quiet evening with tea, Almond Crescent Cookies always steal the show.

Why You’ll Love These Almond Crescent Cookies

These cookies strike the perfect balance between nutty and sweet, soft and crumbly. They’re naturally gluten-free if made with almond flour alone, and their charming crescent shape makes them a visual standout. Plus, they keep well for days — if you can resist eating them all in one sitting.

What Kind of Almonds Should I Use?

Blanched almonds work best for this recipe if you’re grinding your own, giving a smoother, more refined texture. But if you want a more rustic bite and visible specks of almond, unblanched almonds or even almond meal can be used. Store-bought almond flour is the quickest option and works beautifully too.

Options for Substitutions

If almonds aren’t your thing or you just want a twist, you can substitute with finely ground hazelnuts or walnuts. For a dairy-free version, use a vegan butter substitute — though you’ll want one that stays firm when chilled. You can even add a touch of orange zest or dip the tips in dark chocolate for a flavor upgrade.

---

Ingredients for Almond Crescent Cookies

Each ingredient in Almond Crescent Cookies plays a vital role in achieving their signature texture and flavor:

• Unsalted Butter – This is the heart of the cookie, lending richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
• Powdered Sugar – Used both in the dough and as a final dusting, it gives a delicate sweetness and smooth mouthfeel.
• Vanilla Extract – A must-have for depth of flavor. You can also use almond extract if you want to intensify the nutty profile.
• All-Purpose Flour – The structure builder. For a gluten-free version, swap with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Finely Ground Almonds – The star of the show. These add flavor, moisture, and a tender bite. You can also use almond flour.
• Salt – Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.

---

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy. This creates the base texture of your cookies and helps them spread just the right amount.

---

Step 2: Add Flavorings

Mix in vanilla extract (or almond extract, if preferred). This step infuses the dough with that warm, comforting aroma and gives the cookies their signature flavor base.

---

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, finely ground almonds, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, blending just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the cookies tough.

---

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Scoop out a tablespoon of dough and shape it into a small log, then bend it into a crescent. Place each cookie on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. If the dough feels sticky, chill it for 20 minutes to make shaping easier.

---

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for 15–18 minutes, or until the bottoms are just golden. The tops should remain pale. Be careful not to overbake — these cookies are delicate.

---

Step 6: Powdered Sugar Finish

Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes, then carefully coat them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. This helps the sugar stick. Once completely cooled, give them a second dusting for that perfect snowy look.

---

How Long to Prepare Almond Crescent Cookies

Preparing Almond Crescent Cookies is a relatively quick and low-effort process, though allowing enough time for chilling (if needed) and gentle handling is key.

Prep Time: The active prep time takes around 15–20 minutes, including mixing and shaping the dough. If your dough is too soft to shape, plan on an additional 20 minutes of chilling.

Bake Time: Each batch needs about 15–18 minutes in the oven at 325°F. Let the cookies rest for 5 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar, then fully cool for another 10 minutes.

---

Tips for Perfect Almond Crescent Cookies

• Use Softened Butter: It blends more easily with the sugar and helps create a smooth, tender dough.
• Don’t Overmix: Stop mixing once the flour is incorporated to keep the cookies light and delicate.
• Keep the Shape Consistent: Crescent shapes bake evenly when they’re similar in size.
• Warm Dusting Matters: Coating the cookies in powdered sugar while still warm ensures the sugar adheres properly.
• Cool Before Second Dusting: Wait until cookies are fully cooled before applying the second sugar layer for a flawless finish.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overbaking: Almond Crescent Cookies should remain pale on top. Overbaking can make them dry and crumbly.
• Using Cold Butter: Cold butter doesn’t cream well with sugar and can lead to a dense dough.
• Skipping the Chill (if needed): If your dough feels too soft, chilling helps make shaping easier and prevents spreading.
• Packing the Almonds: Finely grind almonds lightly — don’t compact them or you might throw off the measurements.
• Dusting Too Soon or Too Late: Dusting when too hot can melt the sugar; too late and it won’t stick well.

---

What to Serve With Almond Crescent Cookies?

1. Afternoon Tea

Their delicate texture and subtle sweetness pair beautifully with black or herbal teas.

2. Hot Chocolate

Dip these buttery crescents into a rich mug of cocoa for a comforting winter treat.

3. Coffee or Espresso

Perfect alongside a strong cup of coffee, balancing the bitter notes with a soft sweetness.

4. Ice Cream

Serve with vanilla or almond ice cream for a delightful dessert pairing.

5. Fruit Compote

A spoonful of tangy raspberry or apricot compote next to the cookies adds contrast and brightness.

---

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. Place parchment between layers to prevent them from sticking or breaking.

Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the dough or the baked cookies. To freeze dough, shape into crescents and freeze on a tray before transferring to a bag. For baked cookies, freeze in a single layer first, then store in containers with parchment in between. Always dust with powdered sugar after thawing to maintain appearance.

---

Estimated Nutrition

These values are per cookie (based on a batch of 24):

• Calories: ~120 kcal
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 1.5g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sodium: 20mg

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep Almond Crescent Cookies from spreading?

Use softened, not melted butter, and chill the dough if it’s too soft before baking.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the dough a day in advance or freeze the shaped dough for later use.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Not by default, but they can be made gluten-free using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Why did my cookies crumble apart?

Most likely, the dough was overmixed or the cookies were handled too much while hot. Let them cool before moving.

Can I add other flavors?

Yes! A hint of orange zest, cinnamon, or even a dip in dark chocolate can add variety to the classic version.

---

Conclusion

Almond Crescent Cookies are the kind of timeless treat that bring joy with every bite. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture, nutty flavor, and snowy sugar finish make them perfect for holidays, tea time, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Once you make a batch, you’ll see why they remain a cherished favorite across generations. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake up some magic.

---

Print