Almond Crescent Cookies

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Every December, my kitchen turns into a little cookie factory, and Almond Crescent Cookies are always the first to be baked. There’s just something about their delicate crescent shape and snowy powdered sugar coating that makes them feel instantly festive. I’ve made them for years—sometimes with my kids, sometimes alone with soft music playing—and every single time, they bring that nostalgic sense of calm and coziness that only the holidays can offer.

These cookies melt in your mouth with a buttery, nutty flavor that’s hard to beat. They’re not flashy or complicated, but that’s part of their charm. Whether you serve them with coffee, wrap them up as gifts, or sneak one after dinner, they’ll never fail to deliver that quiet moment of joy. Let’s get into why these almond crescent cookies deserve a spot on your baking list.

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Why You’ll Love This Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe

These cookies are a classic for good reason: they’re delightfully tender, easy to shape, and can be made with pantry staples. The almond flavor gives them a warm, nutty aroma, and the powdered sugar makes them look like little edible snowflakes. Plus, they stay fresh for days and are perfect for gifting or bringing to cookie exchanges.

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What Kind of Almonds Should I Use?

Blanched almonds or almond flour both work beautifully in this recipe. If you prefer a smoother texture, go for finely ground almond flour. If you’re grinding your own almonds, make sure they’re unsalted and peeled. Roasting them briefly before blending can also enhance the flavor.

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Options for Substitutions

You can substitute the almond flour with finely ground walnuts or pecans for a different nutty twist. If you’re avoiding dairy, a high-quality vegan butter will still yield a great result, though the flavor may be slightly less rich. For a gluten-free version, just make sure the flour you use is a 1:1 gluten-free blend suitable for baking.

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Ingredients for This Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe

• Unsalted Butter – Gives the cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Powdered Sugar – Used both in the dough and for dusting, it adds sweetness and the iconic snowy finish.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the warm flavors and balances the nuttiness.
• Almond Extract – Intensifies the almond flavor in a beautifully fragrant way.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure to hold the delicate crescent shape.
• Almond Flour (or Finely Ground Blanched Almonds) – The heart of this cookie’s flavor and texture.
• Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out the buttery flavor.

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Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the room temperature unsalted butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This step ensures the cookies will have a tender, delicate crumb.

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Step 2: Add the Flavor Extracts

Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract. These two flavors are essential for that signature warm and nutty profile that defines almond crescent cookies.

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Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps the texture soft.

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Step 4: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

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Step 5: Shape the Crescents

Scoop a tablespoon of dough, roll it into a small log, and gently curve it into a crescent shape. Place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space in between.

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Step 6: Bake Until Lightly Golden

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes. The cookies should be set and just beginning to turn golden on the edges. Don’t let them brown too much.

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Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar

Let the cookies cool slightly, then while still warm, roll them in powdered sugar or use a fine sieve to dust over the top generously. Once fully cooled, give them another light dusting for that perfect snowy look.

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How Long to Prepare the Almond Crescent Cookies

Prep Time: The dough comes together quickly—about 15 minutes including creaming the butter, mixing, and forming the crescents. However, the dough needs to chill for at least 30 minutes, so be sure to factor that in.

Bake Time: Each batch takes around 12 to 15 minutes in the oven. Cooling and sugar dusting add another 10 minutes. In total, you’re looking at just over an hour from start to finish.

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Tips for Perfect Almond Crescent Cookies

• Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and smoother dough.
• Don’t skip the chilling step—it prevents spreading and helps the cookies hold their shape.
• Dust with powdered sugar while the cookies are still slightly warm so it sticks well.
• Use a small cookie scoop for uniform size, which ensures even baking.
• For added depth, lightly toast your almond flour before mixing it in.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overbaking: These cookies should be just barely golden. Too long in the oven makes them dry.
• Too much flour: Packing your flour can lead to crumbly dough. Always spoon and level.
• Skipping the second sugar dusting: A second coat after cooling enhances both taste and appearance.
• Under-mixing or over-mixing: Mix just until combined. Overmixing makes the dough tough.
• Not shaping evenly: Thin tips on the crescents tend to overbake or burn.

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What to Serve With Almond Crescent Cookies?

1. Hot Coffee or Espresso

The rich, nutty flavor of the cookies pairs beautifully with a strong, aromatic brew.

2. Spiced Chai Tea

The warm spices in chai bring out the almond and vanilla notes.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of creamy ice cream alongside these crisp cookies makes for an elegant dessert.

4. Fruit Compote

A dollop of warm raspberry or cherry compote adds a bright contrast to the buttery cookies.

5. Mulled Wine

Perfect for holiday gatherings, the spices in mulled wine enhance the festive flavor of the cookies.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing: You can freeze the shaped dough or the fully baked cookies. If freezing baked cookies, let them cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Dust with a fresh layer of powdered sugar after thawing.

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Estimated Nutrition (per cookie)

• Calories: ~120 kcal
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sodium: 25mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my crescent cookies from crumbling?

Make sure the butter is well incorporated, and don’t skip the chilling step. Handle the cookies gently, especially when they’re warm.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I skip the almond extract?

You can, but the almond extract gives these cookies their signature flavor. If omitting, increase vanilla slightly.

Do these cookies ship well for gifting?

Absolutely. They’re sturdy enough to be packaged and shipped. Just use plenty of padding and a tight container.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, substitute the butter with vegan butter. Make sure it’s a firm variety suitable for baking.

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Conclusion

Almond Crescent Cookies are the kind of treat that never goes out of style. They’re easy to make, delicate in flavor, and undeniably beautiful on any holiday cookie tray. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of care in the baking process, you can create a cookie that feels both timeless and indulgent. Whether you’re baking them for the first time or carrying on a family tradition, these crescents are bound to become a seasonal staple in your kitchen.

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