Description
Delicate Austrian Almond Crescent Cookies melt into a buttery symphony of nutty sweetness. Powdered sugar dusting creates a delightful winter wonderland that whisks you to charming European bakeries with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (120 g) finely ground almonds (almond meal)
- 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
Sweeteners and Flavorings:
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar (optional)
Seasoning:
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Orchestrate the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and preparing two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Utilize a mixer to blend softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, airy texture, approximately 2-3 minutes of consistent blending.
- Incorporate vanilla extract, thoroughly integrating it into the creamy base.
- Compose a separate mixture of flour, ground almonds, and salt, whisking components together with precision. Gradually fold this dry ensemble into the butter mixture, creating a cohesive dough through gentle mixing.
- Craft individual cookie forms by extracting tablespoon-sized dough portions and rolling them into elongated logs. Delicately curve each log into a crescent shape, positioning them with slight separation on the prepared baking sheets.
- Transfer the trays to the preheated oven, allowing the crescents to bake for 12-15 minutes until their edges achieve a delicate golden hue. Maintain vigilance to prevent over-browning.
- Permit the freshly baked crescents a brief resting period of 5 minutes on the baking sheets. While still warm, generously dust the cookies with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve for an elegant finish.
- Carefully relocate the cookies to a wire cooling rack, enabling them to reach complete temperature equilibrium. Optional additional powdered sugar dusting can enhance their visual appeal before serving.
Notes
- Soften butter at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother dough consistency.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain crescent shape.
- Use finely ground almonds for a more delicate texture and even distribution of nutty flavor.
- For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend.
- Toast ground almonds briefly before mixing to enhance their rich, nutty aroma and deepen flavor profile.
- Handle cookies gently when dusting with powdered sugar to prevent crumbling.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 158
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 32 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg