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These Almond Crescent Cookies are my healthy take on a nostalgic holiday treat. Their soft crumbly texture and light orange scent make them a perfect plant-based dessert for celebrations or for enjoying with your afternoon tea. Thanks to wholesome ingredients like almond flour and almond butter you can feel good about each sweet bite.
I was inspired to create this after missing the classic holiday cookies from my childhood. My family now asks for this lighter version even when it’s not December.
Ingredients
- Almond flour: creates a delicate melt-in-your-mouth texture so always use blanched almond flour for a lighter crumb
- White almond butter: helps bind the cookies and adds richness look for a creamy and unsweetened variety
- Maple syrup: gives gentle sweetness and a hint of caramel use good quality pure maple syrup
- Vanilla powder: infuses aromatic depth try to use real vanilla not imitation
- Orange zest: adds a bright refreshing note always zest a fresh firm orange right before baking for the most fragrant result
- Powdered sugar: makes the signature snowy finish sift for even coating
- Vanilla powder blended in the sugar: deepens the vanilla finish again quality matters for real flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Dough:
- In a medium bowl combine almond flour white almond butter maple syrup vanilla powder and freshly grated orange zest Mix with a spatula or your hands until you have a soft dough that holds together The dough may feel slightly oily due to the almonds natural oils
- Shape Crescents:
- Divide the dough into fourteen equal parts Roll each piece into a small cylinder gently tapering the ends Form each log into a crescent shape warming the dough between your hands to help prevent crumbling The warmth of your hands will help create smooth even crescents
- Arrange and Bake:
- Place each crescent on a parchment lined baking sheet The cookies will not spread so space them close together Bake at three hundred twenty degrees Fahrenheit one hundred sixty degrees Celsius for ten to twelve minutes until the tips are turning golden and the cookies are very pale Do not overbake or they will become dry and hard
- Coat with Vanilla Sugar:
- Once out of the oven let the cookies cool on the tray for about five minutes While still warm gently roll each cookie in a bowl of powdered sugar mixed with vanilla powder Coat evenly for that holiday look
- Cool and Store:
- Allow the coated cookies to cool completely on a wire rack Once fully cooled transfer to an airtight container at room temperature or freeze if you want to keep them longer
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I love the instant aroma the orange zest gives as soon as these go in the oven. My daughter enjoys helping shape the crescents making it a cherished holiday baking tradition for us.
Storage Tips
Once completely cooled move the cookies to an airtight container at room temperature and they will stay fresh for up to seven days. If you want to save some for later pop them in the freezer and enjoy within a month. If the sugar coating looks dull after storing a fresh dusting of powdered sugar will make them look bakery fresh again.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have white almond butter cashew butter works beautifully offering a slightly milder flavor. For a fun twist swap the orange zest for lemon or tangerine zest. You can use vanilla extract instead of powder just reduce the amount to prevent excess moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these cookies with an afternoon tea or hot cocoa for a cozy snack. They look gorgeous on holiday cookie platters and are perfect for gifting in pretty tins. For a dreamy dessert sandwich two cookies with a little vegan chocolate spread.
Cultural Inspiration
These cookies were inspired by the classic Austrian Vanillekipferl and Italian Almond Crescents. Swapping animal products for wholesome plant-based ingredients creates a modern twist while keeping the spirit of tradition alive in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I shape the dough into crescents?
Roll the dough into small cylinders with tapered ends and gently curve them to form a crescent shape. Warm the dough between your hands if it's crumbly for smooth shaping.
- → Can I use another nut butter besides almond?
Yes, cashew butter works well and gives a slightly different flavor and texture, but maintains the rich, soft crumb.
- → How should the cookies be stored?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to a month.
- → What should I watch for when baking?
Bake until the edges turn golden and remove them promptly to keep their soft, buttery texture. Avoid overbaking for best results.
- → Can I refresh cookies after a few days?
If the vanilla sugar absorbs, simply sprinkle extra powdered sugar on top to freshen the flavor and appearance.
- → Are these cookies gluten-free and vegan?
Yes, using almond flour and maple syrup makes these crescents suitable for gluten-free and vegan diets.