Delicate, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet, Almond Crescent Cookies are the kind of treat that instantly transports you to a cozy afternoon tea or a festive holiday gathering. Shaped like little crescent moons and dusted generously with powdered sugar, these cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a subtle nutty flavor that makes them simply irresistible.

Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just want a comforting snack, almond crescents are a timeless classic. With minimal ingredients and a quick preparation process, they are perfect for both seasoned bakers and first-timers. Plus, they’re naturally egg-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Why You’ll Love This Almond Crescent Cookies Recipe
These cookies are rich and tender thanks to a buttery dough filled with ground almonds. The simplicity of ingredients keeps the focus on their unique shape and signature powdered sugar finish. Their crumbly, melt-away texture contrasts beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or spiced tea. Make a big batch and store them for easy holiday gifting or cozy winter afternoons.
What Kind of Almonds Should I Use?
Blanched almonds are best for a smooth, clean texture, but if you love a little crunch and extra nuttiness, using toasted or unblanched ground almonds works beautifully too. For extra ease, almond flour is a wonderful substitute that still delivers flavor and consistency. Avoid almonds with added salt or flavors, as they can disrupt the delicate balance of sweetness in the dough.
Ingredients for the Almond Crescent Cookies
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a role in creating that soft, nutty texture and flavor we adore in crescent cookies.
- Unsalted Butter: Essential for the rich, tender crumb. Use it at room temperature so it creams easily.
- Powdered Sugar: Provides a smooth sweetness in the dough and adds that snowy finish once baked.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to complement the almonds.
- All-Purpose Flour: The structure that binds the dough together.
- Almond Flour (or Finely Ground Almonds): The star ingredient. It brings that melt-in-your-mouth texture and nutty aroma.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
How To Make the Almond Crescent Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. This is the base that gives the cookies their signature texture.
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Almond Flour
Mix in the vanilla extract, followed by the almond flour. Stir until well incorporated and smooth.
Step 3: Add All-Purpose Flour and Salt
Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too crumbly, use your hands to gently knead it into a cohesive ball.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Take small portions of dough (about a tablespoon each), roll into a log, and curve into a crescent shape. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Do not overbake—they should remain pale on top.
Step 6: Powder Sugar Coating
Let cookies cool for 5 minutes, then while still slightly warm, roll them gently in powdered sugar. Once completely cool, give them a second dusting for that classic snowy look.

Serving and Storing Almond Crescent Cookies
This recipe yields about 24 cookies, making it perfect for sharing or stashing for later. Serve them on a dessert platter, tuck a few into a lunchbox, or pair with tea for a simple pleasure.
To store, keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Just be sure to re-coat with powdered sugar after thawing if needed.
What to Serve With Almond Crescent Cookies?
A Warm Cup of Chai Tea
The spice blends in chai highlight the buttery sweetness of the cookies.
Mulled Wine or Spiced Cider
Perfect for holiday evenings or snowy weekends.
Espresso or Cappuccino
Strong coffee contrasts with the delicate cookie texture.
Fresh Berries
A light, tangy complement to the nutty richness.
Whipped Cream or Mascarpone
Add a creamy component for an elevated dessert experience.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Serve a couple cookies alongside a scoop for a quick, elegant dessert.
Fruit Compote
Warm fruit sauces like cherry or raspberry pair beautifully.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If you’re loving these Almond Crescent Cookies, you’re in for a treat with these other creative cookie recipes:
- Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe with buttery flake and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Banana Bread Cookies for that moist, comforting bite.
- Peach Cobbler Crumble Bars when you’re craving fruity crunch.
- Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups for creamy and tangy layers.
- Easy Apple Crisp Bars packed with cozy fall spice.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toast the almonds or keep them raw? Did you sneak in a pinch of cinnamon? I love seeing how everyone adds their own twist.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Nora Nosh Recipes and discover your new go-to for feeling great!
Almond Crescent Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
If you’re craving a cookie that’s buttery, nutty, and melts in your mouth, these Almond Crescent Cookies are your new favorite. Perfect for holiday trays, afternoon tea, or cozy desserts, they’re easy to make and hard to resist. With a delicate crescent shape and a snowy dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies feel both festive and timeless. This is an easy recipe that’s ideal for anyone looking for quick dessert ideas, delicious food gifts, or something special to pair with coffee. Whether you need holiday cookie inspiration or just great cookie ideas, this one’s a keeper!
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups almond flour
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
1. Cream the butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
2. Mix in the vanilla extract and almond flour until well combined.
3. Add all-purpose flour and salt; stir until a soft dough forms.
4. Roll about 1 tablespoon of dough into a log and shape into a crescent.
5. Place crescents on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden on the bottom.
7. Let cool for 5 minutes, then gently roll in powdered sugar.
8. Once fully cool, dust again for a snowy finish.
Notes
Be sure the butter is fully softened for the best creaming texture.
Let cookies cool slightly before rolling in powdered sugar to prevent melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cookies
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
