Description
Crescent-shaped almond cookies whisper delicate European charm, bringing sweet memories of holiday kitchens. Delightful Austrian-inspired treats melt gently on your palate, promising winter comfort in each buttery, powdered sugar-dusted bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (120 g) finely ground almonds (almond meal)
- 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
Fat and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Dusting Ingredients:
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring an even surface for cookie placement.
- Create a creamy butter and sugar base by blending softened butter with granulated sugar using an electric mixer, whipping until the mixture becomes airy and pale, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Infuse flavor by incorporating vanilla extract, stirring until thoroughly integrated into the butter mixture.
- Develop the dry ingredient blend by carefully whisking flour, ground almonds, and salt in a separate bowl, creating a uniform mixture with consistent texture.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing on low speed to form a cohesive dough that holds its shape without crumbling.
- Craft delicate crescents by rolling small portions of dough into slender logs, gently curving each piece to create a classic crescent shape with elegant curves.
- Arrange the shaped cookies on prepared baking sheets, positioning them with slight separation to allow for minimal spreading during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven, watching carefully for a delicate golden edge that indicates perfect doneness, typically requiring 12-15 minutes of baking time.
- Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest briefly on the baking sheet, allowing them to firm up slightly before initial handling.
- Dust the warm cookies generously with powdered sugar, using a fine-mesh sieve to create an elegant, snow-like coating.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature and develop a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Optional final touch involves an additional light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving, enhancing the cookies’ visual appeal and sweet finish.
Notes
- Softening butter is crucial for achieving a smooth, creamy texture without overworking the dough, so let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
- Ground almonds can be easily made at home by pulsing whole almonds in a food processor until finely ground, ensuring a fresher flavor and more intense nutty profile.
- For gluten-free variation, swap regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend, maintaining the delicate crescent shape and rich almond taste.
- Gentle handling is key when shaping crescents; roll the dough lightly and curve with a soft touch to prevent dense, tough cookies that lose their delicate texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg