Almond Crescents are tender, buttery cookies with a warm, nutty almond flavor and a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping. These little crescents, perfect for holiday gatherings or a lazy afternoon at home, are simply made and melt in the mouth. Here, we delve into the almond crescent cookies recipe for 24 cookies (serving ~6–8 people – 3–4 cookies per person) and along the way, we get some specifics on how to make them, health benefits, serving ideas, and more.
Almond Crescents
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl Large bowl for combining ingredients
- 1 Electric Mixer Optional, low speed setting
- 1 Baking sheet Lined with parchment or ungreased
- 1 Wire Rack For cooling cookies
- 1 Measuring Cups For accurate ingredient amounts
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Shortening Preferably non-hydrogenated
- 1/2 cup Butter Unsalted, softened
- 2/3 cup Ground blanched almonds Or almond flour
- 1 2/3 cups All-purpose flour Sifted
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract Use pure extract
- 1 cup Confectioners’ sugar For coating
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon Mixed with sugar for coating
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shortening, butter, and ground almonds. Mix until smooth.
- Sift together flour and salt. Gradually stir into the butter mixture until just combined.
- Add vanilla extract and mix. Dough should be soft, not sticky.
- Wrap the dough and chill in the fridge for 1 hour until firm.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (170°C). Line baking sheet or leave ungreased.
- Shape small portions into 3-inch pencil-thick logs. Bend into crescents and place on baking sheet.
- Bake for about 16 minutes, until edges are just golden. Do not overbake. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes.
- Mix confectioners’ sugar with cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- While still warm, gently roll cookies in cinnamon-sugar. Cool completely on wire rack.
Notes
Health Benefits of Ingredients
All of these ingredients provide flavor and nutrition, and in moderation, they are all relatively healthful:
- Shortening: Adds tenderness. It’s fatty, but it’s energy. Choose ones that are non-hydrogenated to avoid trans fats, which are associated with heart disease.
- Butter: Contributes rich flavor and serves as a source of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as short- and medium-chain fatty acids that may promote metabolism.
- Ground Blanched Almonds: Almonds are one of the most vitamin foods, high in vitamin E, and good for your heart, as well as helping lower inflammation. They are also high in fiber, which is good for digestion.
- All-Purpose Flour: Carbs for energy. It is not as nutritionally rich as whole wheat, but it gives the cookies structure.
- Salt: For flavor and, in small quantities, electrolyte balance. Just apply sparingly to help control your sodium intake.
- Vanilla Extract: For fragrance and potential antioxidant benefit. It is better to use pure vanilla over synthetic vanilla in flavor and for health reasons.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Adds sweetness to the outside. It’s high in calories but used very sparingly here; its effect on blood sugar is minimal.
- Cinnamon: An antioxidant that helps manage inflammation. It might play a role in controlling blood sugar levels and contributing to a healthier heart.
Serving Ideas and Variations
Almond Crescents can be enjoyed in several ways, depending on the occasion:
Serving Ideas:
- Classic Presentation: Place the cookies on a decorative platter dusted with additional powdered sugar for a pretty festive/party effect, great for holiday parties or a spot of tea.
- Dessert Tray: Serve alongside other small nibbles such as chocolate truffles or shortbread for a varied dessert selection.
- Gift Idea: Place cooled cookies in a tin lined with parchment paper, sealed with a decorative ribbon, for a homemade gift.
Variations:
- Nut Variations: You can also make these almond crescent cookies with ground hazelnuts or pecans for a unique taste.
- Spiced Twist: For added warmth, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Chocolatey Dip: Dip the ends of cooled cookies in melted dark chocolate and allow to set for a luxurious adventure.
- Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend and make sure it has xanthan gum for stability.
Tips on Ingredient Selection and Storage
- Shortening and Butter: Use a premium unsalted butter for the best taste. Look for a non-hydrogenated brand for shortening. Keep both in the fridge and let them come to room temperature before using.
- Ground Blanched Almonds: Purchase pre-ground almond flour or grind blanched almonds in a food processor until fine (don’t do it too long or they will become oily). Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator to avoid rancidity.
- Flour and Sugar: Use new all-purpose flour in this recipe, and sift your confectioners’ sugar so it doesn’t have lumps. Store in a cool, dry place in tightly closed containers.
- Vanilla – Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Cinnamon – Use good-quality ground cinnamon to flavor the bread better. Spices should be kept in a dark, cool area.
Storage Tips:
- Cookies can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Line with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Freeze unwrapped, unbaked dough for up to 3 months. Form into crescents and freeze, then place on a cookie sheet frozen and bake as directed, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time.
- Freeze baked cookies – You can store baked almond crescent cookies with powdered sugar for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving; refresh with a sprinkling of cinnamon-sugar, if desired.
Beverage Pairings
This Almond Crescents nutty, sweetly spiced cookie goes hand in hand with some drinks:
Hot Drinks:
- Earl Grey – the bergamot goes with the almond & cinnamon.
- Spiced Chai Latte – Complements cinnamon in the coating and is a warm combination.
- Espresso or Cappuccino – The stronger coffee taste helps offset the cookie’s sweetness.
Cold Drinks:
- Iced Vanilla Latte – A nod to the vanilla in the dough!
- Lemon Sparkling Water – A cool and palate-cleansing choice.
Alcoholic Options:
- Amaretto Liqueur – Enhances the almond taste for a decadent after-dinner dessert.
- Moscato Wine – It’s sweet and light, which is perfect because you don’t want to overpower the cookies.
Best Time of Day to Enjoy
Best almond crescent cookies like these are suitable for any occasion, and these special occasions:
- Mid-afternoon Tea/Coffee Breaks: Their lightness and slight sweetness marry well with a mid-afternoon treat or indulgence without the consequences of overeating.
- After Dinner: Serve with coffee or liqueur for a sophisticated ending to a meal.
- Holiday Party: They look and taste festive; they’re a must for winter holidays and other celebrations, and are a great evening snack.
Conclusion
These Almond Crescents II are just so much more than cookies–they are a party of a recipe and proof that the simplest of ingredients can become a delicate and tasty delight. With their bases rooted in nutty almond, buttery richness, and sweet cinnamon-sugar finish, they will brighten any gathering or solitary afternoon at home.
This 6–8-serving recipe easily scales with appetites, as you can see for yourself in the table made for two. There, these cookies can be transformed with the use of the step-by-step guide, adding variations, and enjoying them with the suggested accompanying drinks, into a memory. Whether you’re cooking for company or a quiet dinner at home, almond crescent cookies are sure to bring warmth and comfort to every meal.
