Delicious Almond Cinnamon Crescent Cookies: Your Ultimate Guide to a Buttery, Spiced Treat

There’s something truly magical about a freshly baked cookie, and these Almond Cinnamon Crescent Cookies perfectly embody that feeling. Imagine classic, melt-in-your-mouth buttery shortbread, delicately shaped into charming crescents, and then generously dusted with a sweet, cinnamon-spiced powdered sugar. These exquisite cookies are not just a dessert; they are a warm embrace on a cold winter’s day, an ideal companion to your favorite cup of tea or coffee, and a delightful addition to any festive gathering. Their rich almond flavor combined with aromatic cinnamon creates an irresistible aroma that will fill your home and bring smiles to everyone who tastes them.

These exquisite cinnamon crescent cookies are more than just a seasonal treat; they are sweet, inviting little morsels of pure heaven. Each bite offers a delightful contrast: beyond the fluffy white powdered sugar coating lies a crispy, tender butter cookie, generously studded with finely chopped almonds. The harmonious blend of buttery richness, nutty crunch, and warm cinnamon spice works together beautifully to create a festive confection that will surely become a holiday staple. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or even leaving a plate out for Santa, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. They evoke nostalgic feelings of comfort and joy, making them perfect for creating lasting memories during the colder months.

Effortless Elegance: Easy Almond Crescent Cookies for Every Baker

One of the most cherished aromas and flavors that heralds the arrival of winter is the comforting scent of roasted almonds, often enjoyed from bustling mall vendors or holiday markets. While our almond crescent cookies don’t specifically call for roasted almonds, you’ll discover that their natural almond flavor, beautifully enhanced by cinnamon, comes remarkably close to those beloved spiced almond treats you already adore. The simplicity of this recipe makes it accessible to bakers of all skill levels, allowing you to recreate that enchanting winter bakery experience right in your own kitchen with minimal effort but maximum flavor. These cookies are a testament to how a few simple ingredients can transform into something truly extraordinary, making them a fantastic choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Almond Crescent Cookie Recipe

Prepare to add these crescent cookies to your annual baking repertoire. There are so many reasons to adore this recipe, making it a must-try for anyone seeking a delightful and relatively simple holiday cookie that delivers on both taste and charm.

Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: You’ll be delighted to know that we only require five fundamental pantry staples for the cookie dough itself, plus just two additional ingredients for the irresistible powdered sugar coating. These aren’t obscure or hard-to-find items; they are basic, common ingredients that you likely already have on hand, making preparation a breeze. Unlike many cookie recipes, these don’t even need baking powder or baking soda, relying on the quality of butter and proper technique for their perfect texture. This simplicity not only saves you a trip to the grocery store but also highlights the pure, rich flavors of almond, butter, and cinnamon, proving that sometimes less is truly more when it comes to delicious baked goods.
Uncomplicated & Enjoyable Steps: From combining the initial dough ingredients to the satisfying process of chilling and shaping each crescent, the steps for this recipe are incredibly straightforward and easy to follow. We’ve broken down each stage into clear, concise instructions, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable baking experience. This makes it a fantastic recipe for beginner bakers, or for seasoned home cooks looking for a quick and rewarding project. You’ll find the process of shaping the little crescents surprisingly therapeutic, and watching them bake to golden perfection is truly gratifying. It’s a recipe that encourages hands-on fun in the kitchen without overwhelming complexity.
A Cherished Seasonal & Holiday Favorite: Much like beloved Danish Wedding Cookies, these almond cinnamon crescent cookies are destined to earn a permanent spot on your dessert table, not just this year, but for many festive seasons to come. Their festive appearance, comforting flavors, and delicate texture make them perfect for Christmas cookie platters, holiday parties, or as thoughtful homemade gifts. They truly capture the essence of winter baking, becoming synonymous with coziness and celebration. Imagine presenting a platter of these beautiful, snow-dusted crescents – they are guaranteed to be devoured with enthusiasm and praised by all.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Almond Crescents

The beauty of these classic shortbread cookies lies in the quality and simplicity of their ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating that signature delicate texture and rich flavor profile, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.

For the Buttery Almond Cookies, you will need:

Butter: Use 1 cup (which is equivalent to two sticks) of high-quality unsalted butter, ensuring it is softened to a true room temperature. Butter is the undeniable star of these shortbread cookies, contributing significantly to their tender crumb, rich taste, and luxurious mouthfeel. Using softened butter is absolutely crucial for proper creaming with the sugar, which incorporates air and leads to a lighter, more delicate cookie. If you typically use salted butter, remember to reduce the additional salt in the recipe by half a pinch to avoid over-salting.

Granulated Sugar: You’ll only need 1/3 cup of granulated sugar for this recipe. This modest amount of sweetness is intentionally chosen to complement the natural flavors of the almonds and the warm spice of cinnamon without being overly sugary. It allows the other primary ingredients to truly shine. Using fine granulated sugar also aids in dissolving more easily into the softened butter, contributing to a smoother, more homogenous dough texture.

Almonds: A generous 2/3 cups of finely chopped almonds are an essential component, giving these cookies their characteristic flavor and a delightful, subtle crunch. The nutty, earthy taste of almonds pairs wonderfully with the warmth of cinnamon. For the best flavor, you can buy whole blanched almonds and finely chop them yourself in a food processor, or purchase them pre-chopped. The key is “finely chopped” to ensure they are well-distributed throughout the dough and contribute to a delicate bite, rather than large, clunky pieces.

All-Purpose Flour: The fundamental structure and body of these almond shortbread cookies are built upon 1 2/3 cups of all-purpose flour. It’s imperative to measure your flour accurately; for best results, either use a kitchen scale for precise weight measurement or employ the spoon-and-level method (spoon flour into the measuring cup and level off with a straight edge, rather than scooping directly). Incorrect flour measurement can lead to a dense, tough, or overly dry cookie. The flour binds the butter and sugar, creating a stable yet wonderfully tender cookie.

Salt: A small but mighty 1/4 teaspoon of salt is vital. Its role is not just to add saltiness, but to balance and dramatically enhance all the other flavors within the dough. It brightens the sweetness of the sugar and deepens the nutty profile of the almonds, preventing the cookies from tasting bland or one-dimensional. Don’t underestimate its power in bringing out the best in every ingredient.

For the Irresistible Powdered Sugar Topping, you will need:

Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): To create that signature snowy, sweet, and aesthetically pleasing finish, you’ll need 1 cup of powdered sugar. This finely milled sugar dissolves slightly on the warm cookies, creating a beautiful, delicate coating that is integral to the crescent cookie experience. It’s often referred to as confectioners’ sugar due to its finely powdered consistency.

Ground Cinnamon: A full teaspoon of ground cinnamon is incorporated into the powdered sugar to infuse the coating with a wonderfully warm, aromatic, and inviting spice. The cinnamon sugar coating is what truly elevates these cookies, adding a layer of comforting fragrance and flavor that makes them perfect for the holiday season and beyond. You can adjust the amount of cinnamon slightly to match your personal preference for spice intensity.

Crafting Your Own Almond Cinnamon Crescent Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making these delightful almond cinnamon crescent cookies is a straightforward and rewarding process, perfect for adding a touch of homemade charm to your day. Follow these simple steps to create perfectly baked, tender, and spiced shortbread that will impress everyone with their delicate flavor and beautiful appearance.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough Base

Begin by combining the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. If you have a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment for convenience; otherwise, a hand mixer or even a sturdy whisk will work. Beat them together until the mixture transforms into a light, airy, and fluffy consistency, typically taking a few minutes. This creaming process is vital as it incorporates air, which contributes to the tender texture of the final cookie. Once creamed, gently fold in the finely chopped almonds. Stir just until they are evenly distributed throughout the buttery mixture. It’s important not to overmix at this stage, as excessive mixing can overdevelop the gluten in the flour, potentially leading to tougher, less tender cookies.

In a separate, medium-sized bowl, take your all-purpose flour and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly. This ensures that the salt is perfectly distributed, preventing pockets of uneven seasoning in your cookies. Gradually add this whisked flour mixture to your butter and almond mixture. Mix on a low speed or by hand, gently incorporating the dry ingredients until a crumbly dough just begins to form. The dough should still look a bit loose but come together easily when you press a small amount between your fingers.

Step 2: Chill for Perfection

Once your crumbly dough is ready and just coherent, use your hands to gently gather it and form it into a compact ball. Place this dough ball onto a piece of plastic wrap, then wrap it up entirely, ensuring it’s completely sealed from air exposure. Transfer the wrapped dough to the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period is not just a suggestion; it’s a crucial step that significantly impacts the cookie’s texture and shape. Chilling allows the butter to firm up, which is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading excessively during baking, thus helping them maintain their beautiful crescent shape. Moreover, this resting period gives the flavors a chance to meld and deepen, resulting in a more delicious and nuanced cookie. Don’t be tempted to skip this step for the best possible results!

Step 3: Shaping Your Crescents

After the dough has sufficiently chilled and is firm to the touch, it’s time to bring your almond crescent cookies to life! Take small, uniform portions of the dough (about a tablespoon each) and roll them between your palms or on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a finger-like shape, approximately 2 inches long and about the thickness of your index finger. This elongated shape is perfect for forming the crescents. Then, with gentle hands, carefully curve each piece into that distinct, elegant crescent or “C” shape. Arrange these delicate shapes onto an ungreased baking sheet, ensuring you leave a little space between each cookie to allow for slight expansion during baking. Preparing the shapes uniformly will ensure even baking.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Before placing your shaped cookies into the oven, preheat it to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Bake the cookies for 14-16 minutes. Timing is key here; you’re looking for the cookies to be just set, with the edges turning a very subtle, light golden hue. Shortbread cookies are traditionally pale, so avoid overbaking, as this can make them overly dry and crumbly. They should still be somewhat delicate when you remove them from the oven. Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the sheet for about 5-10 minutes. This cooling period on the warm sheet helps them to firm up without breaking, as they will be quite fragile when piping hot.

Step 5: The Sweet Cinnamon Coating

While the cookies are still warm – this is a crucial detail for the powdered sugar to adhere properly – prepare your irresistible coating. In a shallow bowl (wide enough to toss cookies comfortably), combine the powdered sugar and ground cinnamon. Whisk them together thoroughly until they are perfectly blended and uniformly fragrant. Gently toss the warm crescent cookies, a few at a time, into this fragrant mixture. Mix them until each cookie is beautifully and evenly coated with the sweet cinnamon dust. The residual warmth of the cookies will slightly melt the powdered sugar, creating a perfect, clingy layer that adheres gorgeously. Serve immediately and savor these warm, spiced delights. The combination of the warm cookie and the sweet, spiced coating is truly magical!

ALMOND CINNAMON CRESCENT COOKIES

Almond cinnamon crescent cookies are classic buttery shortbread cookies shaped into crescents & rolled in powdered sugar. Perfect cookies beside a cup of tea in cold winter weather!

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Course:
Cookies, Dessert

Cuisine:
American

Keyword:
ALMOND CINNAMON CRESCENT COOKIES

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

15 minutes

30 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour

5 minutes

Servings:

18
cookies

Calories:

204
kcal

Author:

Jessica & Nellie

Cook Mode

Prevent your screen from going to sleep

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

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar. Add in the chopped almonds and mix until combined. Do not over mix.
In a separate bowl whisk together the flour and salt until combined. Add to the butter mixture and mix until crumbly dough is formed.
Using your hands, form the dough into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, until chilled.
Form the dough into crescents by rolling a piece out until it is finger like and about 2 inches. Form into a crescent or c-shape and place on an ungreased baking sheet.
Bake in a 325ºF oven for 14-16 minutes until set. Remove from the oven and cool on a baking sheet.
In a bowl combine the powdered sugar and cinnamon. While cookies are still warm toss in the powdered sugar mixture until coated.

Nutrition

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Storage and Freezing Tips for Your Almond Cinnamon Crescent Cookies

Ensuring your delicious homemade cookies stay fresh and delightful is key to enjoying them for longer, especially if you’re making a big batch for the holidays or simply want to savor them over several days. Here’s how to best store and even freeze your almond cinnamon crescent cookies:

How Long Do Almond Cinnamon Crescent Cookies Last?

These shortbread-style cookies maintain their exquisite taste and delicate texture when properly stored. Once completely cooled to room temperature, arrange your almond cinnamon crescent cookies in an airtight container. They will remain wonderfully fresh and flavorful at room temperature for up to 5 days. For optimal freshness and to prolong their shelf life slightly, you can also store them in the refrigerator, which can extend their quality by a couple of extra days, though the texture is usually at its best when enjoyed at room temperature. Always ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent them from drying out, becoming stale, or absorbing other aromas from your pantry or fridge.

Can I Freeze Powdered Sugar-Coated Cookies?

Absolutely! These almond crescent cookies are excellent candidates for freezing, offering fantastic flexibility for make-ahead baking. You have the option to freeze them either before or after applying the powdered sugar coating, making them perfect for holiday meal prep or for having a delightful sweet treat ready on standby for unexpected guests.

Freezing Baked Cookies (Uncoated): If your priority is for the cookies to look absolutely pristine when served, it’s often preferable to freeze them *without* the powdered sugar coating. After baking, allow the cookies to cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 30 minutes, or until they are solid. Once solid, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. For best results, layer them with sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw them at room temperature, and then roll them in the cinnamon powdered sugar mixture while they are still slightly cool or at room temperature for a fresh finish.
Freezing Baked Cookies (Coated): You can certainly freeze the cookies after they’ve been coated in powdered sugar. Just be aware that as the cookies thaw, the moisture from condensation within the container might cause the powdered sugar to dissolve partially or become slightly patchy in appearance. If this occurs, it’s an easy fix: simply give them another light dusting of fresh cinnamon powdered sugar right before serving to refresh their beautiful snowy look and boost their flavor. Store them in an airtight freezer container, separated by layers of parchment paper, for up to 3 months.
Freezing Raw Cookie Dough: For ultimate convenience and freshly baked aroma on demand, you can also freeze the raw cookie dough. After preparing the dough, form it into a log, wrap it tightly first in plastic wrap, and then in a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can slice and shape it into crescents, and then proceed with baking as directed in the recipe. This method is fantastic for having fresh, warm cookies whenever the craving strikes!

Almond cinnamon crescent cookies are classic buttery shortbread cookies shaped into crescents & rolled in powdered sugar. Perfect cookies beside a cup of tea in cold winter weather!

The Science of Sweetness: Why Chilling Your Cookie Dough is Essential

When a recipe specifies chilling cookie dough, it’s not merely an optional suggestion – it’s a critical step that significantly impacts the final outcome of your baked goods. For these almond crescent cookies, chilling plays a pivotal role in achieving their perfect tender texture, maintaining their elegant shape, and even enhancing their rich flavor profile.

The primary reason for chilling dough lies in the behavior of the butter or fats within the dough. Butter, when warm, is soft and spreads easily. If you bake dough with warm butter, it will melt too quickly in the oven, causing your cookies to spread out rapidly, becoming thin, flat, and often overly crispy or greasy. By chilling the dough, we allow the butter to solidify. This means that when the cookies go into the hot oven, the butter takes longer to melt, providing crucial structure and preventing the cookies from spreading out excessively. Instead, they hold their crescent shape beautifully, resulting in a thicker, chewier cookie with those lovely crisp edges that shortbread is famous for. This is especially vital on warmer days or if your butter was initially on the softer side of “room temperature” when you began mixing.

Beyond structural integrity, chilling also allows the flour in the dough to fully hydrate. As the dough rests, the liquid ingredients (mostly from the butter) are absorbed by the flour, which helps to tenderize the dough and prevents a dry, crumbly texture. Simultaneously, the gluten in the flour has a chance to relax. This relaxation contributes to a more tender and less tough cookie. Moreover, and perhaps most delightfully, the flavors have more time to meld and develop during chilling. The butter, sugar, almonds, and salt all have a chance to integrate more deeply, resulting in a richer, more nuanced, and simply more delicious taste experience. Think of it as allowing your dough to “marinate”; a little patience in the refrigerator yields a much more incredible, deeply flavored almond crescent cookie.

crescent cookies covered in powdered sugar

Achieving Perfect Consistency: The Best Way to Soften Butter

Many baking recipes, including these delightful almond cinnamon crescent cookies, critically call for softened or room temperature butter (ideally around 65 degrees F or 18 degrees C). This isn’t just a random instruction; it’s a fundamental step for successful baking, particularly for the creaming process. Softened butter is essential because it allows the butter and sugar to be beaten together effectively, incorporating air that creates a lighter, more tender cookie. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly, leading to a dense dough. If it’s too warm or melted, your cookies can spread excessively in the oven and become greasy. Here are some simple, effective tips for achieving that perfect softened consistency quickly and without accidentally melting it:

The Patient Approach: The easiest and often recommended method, if you have the foresight and time, is simply to leave your sticks of butter on the kitchen counter for about 1 hour prior to making your cookie recipe. This allows the butter to slowly and uniformly come to the ideal temperature without any risk of melting.
Speed It Up with Slices: If you find yourself short on time and need softened butter quickly, a great trick is to slice the cold butter into tablespoon-sized pieces. The increased surface area of these smaller pieces will significantly help them warm up faster. Place these pieces into a gently warmed glass or bowl. A glass that’s just come out of the hot dishwasher is perfect, or you can warm a sturdy measuring cup by filling it with hot tap water, letting it sit for a minute, then discarding the water before adding your butter slices. Let the butter sit in the warm vessel for 10-15 minutes, gently turning if needed.
The Warm Towel Method: For a quick but very gentle warm-up, dampen a small, clean kitchen towel with warm water, wring it out thoroughly to remove excess moisture, and then wrap your sticks of butter (still in their original wrappers) in the warm towel for a few minutes. The residual warmth from the towel will help soften the butter evenly without causing it to melt.
My Favorite Trick (Warmed Glass & Inverted Method): I often use a simple, yet highly effective method: I warm a tall drinking glass with hot water, then empty it. I then place the wrapped sticks of butter on the counter and invert the warm glass over them for several minutes. The trapped warmth inside the glass creates a mini-greenhouse effect that quickly brings the butter to that ideal softened, pliable consistency, ready for perfect creaming and baking!

Remember, the ultimate goal is soft, pliable butter that still holds its shape when gently pressed, not greasy, oily, or melted butter. Achieving this ideal consistency is what allows the butter to cream beautifully with the sugar, creating the airy and tender foundation for your delicious buttery shortbread.

These two cuties bravely faced the cold & trick-or-treated at some of the scariest houses in our neighborhood last year! Perhaps next year, they’ll both conquer all the porches with even more courage. Ha! Baking these crescent cookies is another wonderful way to create fun family memories, just like those adventurous trick-or-treating nights.

Explore More Delightful Shortbread Cookie Recipes!

If you’ve fallen in love with the tender, buttery goodness of these almond cinnamon crescent cookies, you’re in for a treat! Shortbread cookies are incredibly versatile and endlessly satisfying, making them a staple in many kitchens. Their simple nature, allowing a rich butter flavor to shine, makes them perfect for showcasing a variety of complementary flavors and additions. Dive into our extensive collection of other fantastic shortbread cookie recipes, each offering its own unique twist on this beloved classic favorite. Whether you prefer fruity, chocolaty, or more intensely spiced options, there’s a shortbread cookie here for every palate and occasion. They make wonderful additions to any cookie exchange, impressive dessert platter, or just for a cozy, comforting treat with your afternoon tea or coffee.

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In conclusion, these delightful almond cinnamon crescent cookies are far more than just a simple treat. They are a testament to the beauty of classic baking, made with wholesome ingredients like finely chopped almonds and lovingly enveloped in a sweet, cinnamon-spiced powdered sugar coating. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of tender, buttery texture, nutty flavor, and warm spices, making them the quintessential cookie for chilly weather, festive holiday celebrations, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of your favorite warm beverage. Their elegant crescent shape and snowy white coating make them visually appealing on any dessert platter, while their incredible taste ensures they are always a welcome indulgence. We sincerely encourage you to try this accessible and rewarding recipe and bring a touch of cozy warmth and delicious charm into your home this season! Happy baking!