These Almond Crescents are family favorites in the holiday cookie tin! Super simple and just as delicious!
T-minus one week til Christmas Day guys! I don’t know about you, but WOW, I can’t believe it!
Hope you all had a great weekend. Ours was jam-packed with fun!! Casey came home from UMich on Saturday, we bought our tree, decked the halls, went to a holiday party, enjoyed a beautiful snowfall, and last but not least, baked a few more batches of holiday cookies! It was picture PERFECT!
In addition to my Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies, my Hungarian Kifli, and my Chocolate Shortbread Holiday Cookie Cutouts, these Almond Crescents were on the baking list. They’re beyond easy peasy, rich and buttery, and a holiday tradition at our house!
I always find myself making these the week before Christmas, because they only require a handful of ingredients, all of which I’ve always got on hand, and the recipe is super simple. And let’s face it, when it’s only days before the big day, I don’t know about you folks, but super simple is about all my brain can handle.
The great thing about these cookies is that they’re totally customizable. I used almonds in today’s version, but you can also substitute pecans or walnuts. You can sprinkle them with confectioner’s sugar like I’ve done, or roll them in it for a thicker coating. You can also drizzle them or dip them in some melted chocolate. Lots of delicious options!
These yummy crescents will be the last cookie on the BHK baking list this holiday season. It’s been a busy few weeks of baking, but it’s been soooo much fun! Enjoy!
I’ll have one more crazy delicious comfort food recipe comin’ at ya this Thursday before I take a little break to spend the holiday with family and friends. You won’t want to miss it! Stay tuned!
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole raw almonds
- 2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1 cup (two sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup confectioner's sugar sifted
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Garnish: extra confectioner's sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange the almonds in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes or until fragrant, tossing nuts halfway through baking time. Remove from oven and let cool.
- Place cooled almonds in food processor and process until finely ground.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together almonds, flour and salt.
- In a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter, powdered sugar and vanilla until well blended. Add dry mixture and mix until well combined. Divide dough in half , wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least two hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Shape roughly one tablespoonful of dough into a 3-inch log with tapered ends, then bending into a crescent shape. Place on prepared sheet, about one inch apart.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes, until lightly browned and firm, rotating tray halfway through baking time. Remove from oven and let cool on sheet for 8 minutes before removing to rack to cool completely. Sprinkle with extra confectioner's sugar. Repeat with remaining dough. Store cookies in airtight container.
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings
It does sound like a picture perfect weekend for your family! Glad Casey is home. These cookies look picture perfect too and I always love having these for the holidays. They are a break from all the super sweet stuff.
Mary Ann
Yes, I agree Karen! These aren’t too sweet, but still such a treat! Have a great week!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Sounds like you had the BEST kind of weekend, Mary Ann! I can only imagine the lovely smells permeating throughout your home! These almond crescents like delish! Love that they’re customizable, but they sound perfect just as you have them, if you ask me ;) Pinned! Can’t believe we are so close to the big day! Have a wonderful week! XOXO
Mary Ann
Yes! Hope you did too Dawn! Thanks so much for pinning! Have a wonderful week! XO
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy
Ummm I need these in my life! Diamond Nuts are the best!
Mary Ann
Yes they are Jennifer! I’ve been baking all season with them!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
Sounds like you are all set for the holidays! Family, snow and beautiful, delicious cookies! Love these :)
Mary Ann
Hope you are too Jennifer! Have a wonderful week!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
Yaaay! It certainly sounds like you had a picture perfect weekend, Mare!! I don’t think I’ve ever had an Almond Crescent before, but they look and sound delish! Plus, you just can’t beat the minimal ingredient list and easy prep!! Pinning to try! Cheers! xoxo
Mary Ann
These are perfect for you Chey since you can’t do chocolate! You’d love them. Not too sweet, but equally as delish! Have an awesome week! XO
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom
LOVE these almond-crescents!!!! Perfect for the holiday season! Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas!
Mary Ann
Thanks Alice! I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday also!!
Lynn
I love your site Marianne It is so beautiful. Everything looks so delectable
Mary Ann
Thanks so much Lynn! So glad you found it! Happy Holidays!
Matt Robinson
Those sound magical MaryAnn! I can’t believe Christmas is a week away. We’ve got so much left to do!
Mary Ann
I know, right?! The days have blown by since Thanksgiving! Good luck and hope you all have a wonderful Christmas Matt!
Gerlinde@Sunnycovechef
Vanille Kipferl as we call them in Germany and Austria are some of my favorite cookies. I make them every year. Your cookies look fabulous. Wishing you holidays filled with happiness and good food.
Mary Ann
Aren’t they just the best Gerlinde?! I make these every year. I hope you have a wonderful holiday and a healthy and Happy New Year!! XO
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks
That absolutely sounds like a picture perfect weekend, Mary Ann! Especially with the snow – we don’t see much of that around here. Those almond crescents look so good! Happy Holidays!
Mary Ann
Thanks so much Rach! Hope you had a great weekend too! Have a wonderful Christmas!!
Leigh Ann
Almond anything is my favorite! I think I need to make these!
Mary Ann
Go for it Leigh Ann! These are so easy!
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
How is it even possible that Christmas is a week away? I need to stuff my face with Christmas cookies before it’s too late. These little crescents would be perfect!
Mary Ann
I know! Time’s been flying for sure Kelsie! Get baking and eating!! There’s still time!
Deepika|TheLoveOfCakes
These are so cute! I haven’t ever tried Crescent cookies, but these look lovely! Buttery and with all that almond flavor,these sound perfect! Still wondering, how you managed all that in one weekend :D
Mary Ann
Thanks Deepika! It was jam-packed with fun!! Happy Holidays to you and your family! Enjoy your trip!
Sarah Fennel
Such a good idea for gifting or just keeping for yourself! YUM.
Mary Ann
Keeping for yourself is fun too!
Alida | Simply Delicious
These look fantastic Mary Ann! Perfect with a cup of coffee!
Mary Ann
Thanks Alida! Awesome with coffee!
annie@ciaochowbambina
I love, love, love these! The perfect holiday treat!! Have a great week, my friend!
Mary Ann
You have a great week too Annie!
Tessa | Salted Plains
How fun!! We have yet to have our first snowfall but I am ready for it! These look insanely delicious, Mary Ann. I can only imagine how good a little dip in chocolate would be too! xo
Mary Ann
They’re wonderful dipped in chocolate Tessa! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for a white Christmas!
Marissa
So glad you had such a perfect weekend and that you had some Casey time. :) Almond Crescents are one of my favorite holiday cookies and yours look melt-in-your-mouth perfect!!
Mary Ann
So happy he’s home!! These are my favorite too Marissa! Hope you have an awesome week!
Gina @Running to the Kitchen
Oooh, I need to try these! They look amaaazing!!
Mary Ann
Thanks Gina! So easy and not too sweet, which I really like.
Natasha @ Salt & Lavender
My mom makes a very similar cookie. I used to call them (ok I still call them) U-cookies cuz of the shape haha. Love these! Have a great week, Mary Ann!
Mary Ann
That’s an appropriate name! Hope you have a wonderful week too Natasha!
Tieghan Gerard
These look perfect and I know my family would LOVE them! YUM!
Mary Ann
I bet they would Tieghan!
Katherine | Love In My Oven
That sounds like a wonderful weekend that you had, Mary Ann!! I’m glad you still fit in some holiday baking (obviously). Can you believe Christmas is a week away? Just enough time to whip up a batch of these crescents! ;)
Mary Ann
Get baking Katherine! You’ve still got time! Have a wonderful holiday with your boys!
Jennifer Farley
These are some of my all time favorite cookies!
Mary Ann
Mine to Jennifer! I think they’re my fave because they aren’t overly sweet!
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking
Wow Mary Ann! You packed a lot into your weekend! I totally agree with you. The last few days leading up to Christmas, all my baking and meals have to be simple! My energy is otherwise focused on last minute shopping and wrapping! Have a great week!
Mary Ann
It was crazy busy Leanne, but sooo much fun! Hope your week is full of holiday fun! XO
Lindsay Cotter
Love how easy these cookies are! They’ll be a great addition to the cookie plate!
Mary Ann
Totally easy Lindsay!
Laura | Tutti Dolci
These are so pretty, Mary Ann! I love crescent cookies and these look delicious!
Mary Ann
Thanks Laura! Me too. Happy Holidays!
Naomi @bakersroyale
These make me more and more excited to my holiday cookie party with my family! Will definitely be making these!
Mary Ann
Yay! Enjoy Naomi. You’ll love how easy they are! Happy Holidays!
Matt @ The Bluenosers
I totally remember eating these at Christmas parties growing up, so many good memories!
Mary Ann
Me too Matt! Glad they bring back sweet memories! Happy Holidays!
cakespy
These are simply wonderful. One of my favorite types of cookies!
Mary Ann
Mine too Jessie! Not too sweet and so easy! Happy Holidays!
Caroline
These are one of my most favorite holiday cookies, Mary Ann! I love having a couple with a cup of coffee or tea in the afternoon. Can’t wait to make these! Happy holidays to you and your family sweet friend! xo
Mary Ann
Mine too Caroline!! I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday too! And a happy and healthy New Year!
Emily
Yes, oh how I adore almond cookies. And you so patiently shaped these into the most perfect little crescents! Casey must be home by how- enjoy the time together!
Mary Ann
He’s home and I’m totally loving it!
Mar
Don’t try it with Cup4Cup gluten free flour… I did and ;/ … tossed them. Beautiful recipe but not for GF!
Mary Ann
Thanks for letting us know!