Delicious Homemade Vanilla Crescents: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup ground almonds
1/2 cup granulated sugar for rolling
1 tablespoon vanilla sugar for dusting

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, mix together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it's light and fluffy.
Add the vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture and stir until well combined.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, ground almonds, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, stirring well after each addition.
After the dough has come together, divide it into small pieces and shape each piece into a crescent.
Place the crescents onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
While the cookies are still warm, roll them in the granulated sugar, and then let them cool completely.
Finally, dust the cooled cookies with the vanilla sugar.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients together.
Whisk - Used to combine the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Measuring Cups and Spoons - Needed to accurately measure the ingredients.
Baking Sheet - An ungreased sheet on which to place the crescents for baking.
Spatula - To help shape the dough into crescents and transfer them to the baking sheet.
Cooling Rack - Used to cool the baked cookies completely.

Recipe variations

Substitute almond flour for ground almonds.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced flavor.
Sprinkle chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans over the crescents before baking.
Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for an almond-flavored variation.
Roll the baked crescents in a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon for a sweeter coating.
Fill the crescents with a teaspoon of your favorite jam or preserves before shaping and baking.
Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough for chocolate crescents.
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the deliciously buttery, almond-flavored Vanilla crescents, perfect for a sweet treat any time of the day! This traditional European cookie, often baked during the festive season, is a delightful combination of a light, crumbly texture and a subtle hint of vanilla. You'll love how simple they are to prepare, using staple pantry ingredients and straightforward baking techniques. In about 15 minutes of baking time, you'll have a batch of these golden crescents ready to be dusted with vanilla sugar. Enjoy these melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a cup of coffee or tea, or package them up for an elegant homemade gift.

Common questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? No, it is recommended to use unsalted butter in this recipe to control the saltiness of the cookies.
Can I substitute almond flour for ground almonds? Yes, you can use almond flour instead of ground almonds in the same quantity.
Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough after shaping it into crescents. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before freezing. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw slightly and then bake as directed.
How should I store the baked cookies? Store the baked vanilla crescents in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about a week.
Can I add other flavors, like lemon or almond extract? Yes, you can experiment with different extracts to add different flavors to the cookies. However, be mindful of the quantity to avoid overpowering the vanilla flavor.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking sheet - Used to bake the vanilla crescents in the oven.
Mixing bowl - Used to mix the ingredients together.
Whisk - Used to combine the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Measuring cups - Used to measure the flour, powdered sugar, ground almonds, and granulated sugar accurately.
Measuring spoons - Used to measure the vanilla extract, salt, and vanilla sugar.
Spatula - Used to scrape the dough from the sides of the bowl and shape the crescents.
Cooling rack - Used to cool the baked cookies before rolling in sugar and dusting with vanilla sugar.
Sifter or sieve - Optional, but helpful for sifting flour or powdered sugar to remove any lumps.
Rolling pin - Optional, but can be used to roll out the dough to an even thickness before shaping the crescents.

Origin stories

Vanilla crescents, known as Vanillekipferl in German, have a rich history rooted in the Christmas traditions of Austria and Germany. Legend tells that these delicate, crescent-shaped biscuits were baked in honor of the Ottoman Empire’s unsuccessful siege of Vienna in the late 17th century. The crescent moon was a symbol on the Ottoman flag, and the Viennese bakers celebrated their victory by creating these sweet, nutty pastries in the same shape. Over time, they have evolved into a beloved treat during the Christmas season across many parts of Europe, often delicately dusted with vanilla-infused icing sugar for an extra touch of holiday magic.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.