### Almond Crescents Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Treat
Almond crescent cookies are a delightful holiday treat that add a touch of elegance to any dessert platter. These cookies are not only beautiful with their crescent shape but also packed with rich, nutty flavors. Here’s how you can make these cookies at home.
#### Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg white
- 2 cups ground almonds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
#### Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter (crescent shape)
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
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### Step-by-Step Instructions
#### Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
2. **Add Egg White and Vanilla:** Beat in the egg white and vanilla extract until well combined.
#### Step 2: Mix in Almonds
1. **Fold in Ground Almonds:** Gently fold in the ground almonds until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The mixture should be smooth but still slightly sticky.
#### Step 3: Roll and Shape
1. **Chill Dough:** Divide the dough into two equal portions and wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
2. **Roll Out Dough:** Remove one portion from the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes until slightly softened. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
#### Step 4: Cut Crescents
1. **Cut Crescent Shapes:** Use a crescent-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the rolled-out dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
2. **Arrange Cookies:** Keep some space between the cookies as they will spread slightly during baking.
#### Step 5: Bake and Cool
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Bake Crescents:** Bake for about 12-14 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
3. **Cool Completely:** Allow the crescent cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
#### Tips and Variations
- For an extra nutty flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla.
- Experiment with different types of nuts or seeds by substituting the ground almonds for other varieties like hazelnuts or pumpkin seeds.
### Conclusion
Almond crescent cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. By following these detailed steps and using SEO-friendly formatting, you can ensure that your cookies turn out perfectly every time. Enjoy sharing this recipe with friends and family during the holiday season!