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A baking sheet full of freshly baked, golden brown almond crescent cookies before being dusted with powdered sugar.

Almond Crescent Cookies (Classic Vanillekipferl Recipe)

Discover the best Almond Crescent Cookies recipe! These buttery, tender Vanillekipferl melt in your mouth and are coated in a sweet layer of powdered sugar. Perfect for holidays and special occasions.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Austrian, European, German
Calories: 85

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar for the dough
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup finely ground blanched almonds or almond flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar for coating

Equipment

  • 2 Baking Sheets
  • 1 Electric Mixer
  • 2 Mixing Bowls

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, and salt.
  2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cold, cubed butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Form the dough into a flat disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.
  5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Take a tablespoon of chilled dough and roll it between your palms into a log about 2-3 inches long. Taper the ends and gently curve it into a crescent shape. Place on the prepared baking sheets.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden brown.
  8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes. While still very warm, gently roll each cookie in the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar until generously coated. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Cold Butter is Key: Using cold butter is essential for the crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture of these cookies. It prevents them from spreading too much during baking.
Handle Gently: These cookies are delicate, especially when warm. Be careful when rolling them in powdered sugar to prevent breakage.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.