Buttery, delicate, and dusted with powdered sugar, Almond Crescent Cookies are a holiday classic that deserve a spot in your year-round baking lineup. These crescent-shaped treats have a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a subtle nutty flavor that makes them totally irresistible with a cup of coffee or tea.
They also make for a stunning addition to cookie boxes, gifting tins, or dessert platters. Whether it’s your first time making them or you’ve baked them since childhood, these cookies are all about simplicity, comfort, and just the right amount of nostalgia.
What Kind of Almonds Should I Use?
For the best flavor and texture, go with finely ground blanched almonds or almond flour. Blanched almonds have their skins removed, which results in a smoother, lighter-colored cookie dough. If you want a bit more rustic texture, ground whole almonds (with skins) work too but may slightly darken the cookie’s look.

Ingredients for the Almond Crescent Cookies
Butter: This is the base of the cookie dough. It brings richness and that classic melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Powdered Sugar: Used both in the dough and for dusting after baking, it gives the cookies their delicate sweetness and smooth texture.
Almond Flour: Essential for the nutty flavor and tender bite. You can also use finely ground almonds.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and balances out the fat from the butter.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cookie’s flavor profile.
Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the sweet and nutty notes without being noticeable.
How To Make the Almond Crescent Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This helps incorporate air and creates that tender texture we’re after.
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Almond Flour
Mix in the vanilla extract, followed by the almond flour. Blend until fully combined. The almond flour gives the dough a delicate nuttiness.
Step 3: Stir in the All-Purpose Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, let it chill for about 15 minutes.
Step 4: Shape into Crescents
Scoop small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each), roll into short logs, and gently bend them into crescent shapes. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 5: Bake Until Lightly Golden
Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 12 to 14 minutes. The cookies should be set and just barely golden around the edges.
Step 6: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly for 5 minutes. While still warm (but not hot), generously dust them with powdered sugar. Let them finish cooling on a wire rack.
How to Serve and Store Almond Crescent Cookies
These cookies are elegant enough for a festive table yet cozy enough for a midday snack. Serve them with a warm mug of tea, espresso, or even hot cocoa. They also pair beautifully with a fruit-forward dessert wine if you’re serving them after dinner.
For storage, let the cookies cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 1 week. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to preserve their delicate texture and powdered sugar coating. You can also freeze them (undusted) for up to 3 months and dust with sugar after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before shaping.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
Can I use regular almonds instead of almond flour?
You can grind blanched almonds finely in a food processor. Just make sure not to over-process them into almond butter.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This usually happens if the butter is too soft or the dough is too warm. Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before shaping.
How do I keep the sugar from falling off?
Dust the cookies while they’re still warm (but not hot). The slight warmth helps the powdered sugar cling better.
Can I add other flavors?
Definitely. A touch of orange zest, cinnamon, or even a dash of almond extract can enhance the flavor beautifully.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If you love these Almond Crescent Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:
- Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a soft, milky bite with a powdered sugar finish.
- Lemon Churro Cookies for that zesty-meets-cinnamon-sugar magic.
- Caramel Cheesecake Cookies if you want creamy, rich, and chewy in one bite.
- Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies for those cozy caramelized edges.
- Cherry-Topped Coconut Macaroons for a tropical, chewy twist.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest cookie board so you can come back to it any time: Follow Life with Jam on Pinterest.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add citrus zest or swap almond flour for hazelnut? Did you go heavy on the sugar dusting?
I love seeing how these classic cookies get a new spin in your kitchens. Questions and baking stories are always welcome—let’s make this a baking party.

Almond Crescent Cookies
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Almond Crescent Cookies are buttery, nutty, and lightly sweetened with a cloud of powdered sugar. These crescent-shaped delights are tender, melt in your mouth, and perfect for any holiday platter or teatime treat.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup almond flour (or finely ground blanched almonds)
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. Cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in vanilla extract and almond flour until fully combined.
3. Gradually stir in all-purpose flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Chill if needed.
4. Shape dough into small logs (about 1 tablespoon each) and bend into crescent shapes.
5. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, 2 inches apart.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
7. Cool for 5 minutes, then dust generously with powdered sugar while still warm.
8. Let cool completely on a wire rack before storing.
Notes
Chill dough if it feels sticky—about 15 minutes in the fridge does the trick.
Powdered sugar sticks best when cookies are still warm (not hot).
You can add orange zest or almond extract for flavor variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg


