Almond Crescent Cookies are delicate cookies filled with crunchy almonds and coated in a generous layer of powdered sugar, making them the perfect holiday treat. With their simple yet elegant appearance and delicious flavor, almond shortbread cookies are a favorite for cookie parties, neighbor gifts, and even dipping in hot cocoa!
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If you’re looking for a festive and delicious cookie to add to your holiday baking repertoire, look no further than these almond cookies. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these easy shortbread cookies are sure to impress your friends and family with their incredible taste and beautiful presentation.
The Role of Almond Crescent Cookies in Christmas Traditions
Almond crescent cookies have been a staple in Christmas traditions for many years. But what is it about these cookies that make them so special during the holiday season?
One reason could be their almond flavor, which is reminiscent of the warm, comforting scents of Christmas. The addition of almonds to the shortbread cookie dough gives these cookies a nutty and rich flavor that pairs perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk. Another reason could be their crescent shape, which some believe represents the crescent moon during the winter solstice. This shape has been a symbol of good luck and prosperity during the holiday season for many cultures.
Regardless of the reason, almond crescent cookies have become a beloved Christmas tradition for many families. They are a simple yet elegant addition to any holiday gathering and are sure to bring joy and warmth to those who indulge in them.
Gift-Giving and Packaging Ideas for Almond Cookies
Almond Crescent Cookies are not only delicious but also make a beautiful gift for the holiday season. Here are a few ideas for packaging and presenting these cookies:
- Gift Boxes: Place a dozen cookies in a festive holiday box with a clear window to show off the beautiful crescent shape. Tie a ribbon around the box for a finishing touch.
- Cookie Tins: Place cookies in a decorative tin with a holiday design. This is a classic and elegant way to present these cookies.
- Cellophane Bags: Fill a clear cellophane bag with cookies and tie with a ribbon. This is a great option for giving multiple cookies or for party favors.
Almond Crescent Cookies Ingredients
Butter: You will need 1 cup of butter, softened, to create rich and flavorful cookies.
Sugar: Add ⅓ cup of sugar to sweeten the dough nicely, but not overly so.
Almonds: Using ⅔ cups of almonds, finely chopped, will add more amazing taste and texture.
Flour: The structural base of this cookie dough is 1 ⅔ cups of flour.
Salt: Help balance the flavors well by adding ¼ tsp of salt to the dough.
Powdered Sugar Topping
Powdered sugar: Using 1 cup of powder sugar will coat the cookies well with a soft, sweet flavor.
Cinnamon: You need 1 tsp of cinnamon to give the cookies a nice warm spiced taste.
How to make Almond Crescent Cookies
Dough
In a large mixing bowl combine the butter and sugar, mix with a stand mixer or hand mixer, until creamy and well combined. Then add in the finely chopped almonds and mix just a few times until they are blended in.
Next in a separate bowl, whisk the flour and salt. Continue to add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mix until a crumbly dough is formed.
Chill
The dough will be dry, so use your hands to form it into one large ball and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before forming into crescent shapes.
Bake
Once the dough has chilled, get the oven preheating to 325ºF. Then line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Remove the dough from the fridge, unwrap it, and proceed to form it into crescents shapes. Take a piece of dough and roll it out until it is about as thick as your finger and 2 inches long. Form into a crescent, or c-shape, and place on the prepared baking sheets.
Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 14-16 minutes until they are set. Remove the cookies from the oven and place on a cooling rack.
Cookie coating
In a medium size bowl, whisk the powder sugar and cinnamon to combine.
Then while the cookies are still warm, but not too hot to handle, toss them in the sugar mixture to coat. Use a fork to turn them over in the mixture and coat the entire cookie well. Return them to the cooling rack to cool completely.
Serve and enjoy!
Pairing Almond Shortbread Cookies with Beverages
Hot Cocoa Pairing
Almond crescent cookies are a perfect match for a warm cup of hot cocoa on a chilly Christmas evening. The nutty flavor of the almond and the sweetness of the powdered sugar complement the rich and creamy taste of hot cocoa. The cookies can be dipped into the cocoa, adding a bit of crunch to the smooth drink.
Other Beverage Recommendations
- Coffee: The strong and bitter taste of coffee balances out the sweetness of the cookies, creating a delicious contrast.
- Tea: A cup of tea, such as Earl Grey or English Breakfast, pairs well with almond crescent cookies. The tea’s earthy and floral notes complement the nutty flavor of the cookies.
- Milk: For a classic pairing, serve almond crescent cookies with a cold glass of milk. The milk’s creamy texture and mild taste provide a refreshing balance to the cookies’ sweetness.
Almond Crescent Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ⅔ cup almonds finely chopped
- 1 ⅔ cup flour
- ¼ tsp salt
Powdered Sugar Topping
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Dough: In a large mixing bowl combine the butter and sugar, mix with a stand mixer or hand mixer, until creamy and well combined. Add in the almonds and mix just a few times until they are blended in.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mix until a crumbly dough is formed.
- Chill : The dough will be dry, so use your hands to form it into one large ball and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before forming into crescent shapes.
- Bake: Get the oven preheating to 325ºF. Then line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove the dough from the fridge, unwrap it, and proceed to form it into crescents shapes. Take a piece of dough and roll it out until it is about as thick as your finger and 2 inches long. Form into a crescent, or c-shape, and place on the prepared baking sheets.
- Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 14-16 minutes until they are set. Remove the cookies from the oven and place on a cooling rack.
- Cookie coating: In a medium size bowl, whisk the powder sugar and cinnamon to combine. While the cookies are still warm, but not too hot to handle, toss them in the sugar mixture to coat. Use a fork to turn them over in the mixture and coat the entire cookie well. Return them to the cooling rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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What type of Almonds to use in Almond Crescent Cookies
For this recipe I just used plain almonds. I placed them in my food processor for just a few seconds to finely chop them. Remove any large pieces, you won’t want those in the cookies since this is such a dry dough, they can make the cookies crumble.
You can use salted almonds if that is all you have on hand, I would skip adding the salt in the recipe if you are using salted nuts, you don’t want over salted cookies!
How long are these Almond Cookies good for?
Almond crescent cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. However, for optimal freshness, it is recommended to consume them within the first 3-4 days after baking.
If you plan on storing them for more than a few days, you can also freeze them for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply let them come to room temperature before serving.
How do you make almond crescent cookies with almond flour?
To make almond crescent cookies with almond flour, simply substitute an equal amount of almond flour for the all-purpose flour in the recipe. The rest of the ingredients and instructions remain the same.
Are almond crescent cookies considered the number one Christmas cookie?
While almond crescent cookies are a popular Christmas cookie, it is difficult to determine if they are considered the number one Christmas cookie. This is because there are so many different types of Christmas cookies enjoyed by people all over the world. However, one thing is for sure – almond crescent cookies are a delicious and elegant addition to any holiday cookie platter.
Try these other amazing Christmas dessert recipes:
- Hot Cocoa Cookies
- Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Christmas Brownie Cookies
- White Chocolate Cherry Cheesecakes
- Spiced Ginger Cookies
- Creamy Cranberry Salad
- Rolo Pretzel Turtles
- Chocolate Popcorn
- Saltine Cracker Toffee
- Gingerbread Cookie Bites
- Christmas Gumdrop Punch
- Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies
- Christmas Chocolate Caramel Cups
- Eggnog Cookies
- White Chocolate Party Mix
- Christmas Lush Dessert
- Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
Almond Crescent Cookies are a Christmas favorite! These almond shortbread cookies are simple, elegant, and simply delightful.
Sandi says
What a great cookie for the holidays! Love your easy instructions!
Justine says
I can’t imagine a Christmas without these little pieces of joy!