Christmas Crescents

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Delicious Christmas crescents are buttery, nutty cookies with a tender texture, coated in powdered sugar. Perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 2 cups flour
  • 5 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 cups chopped nuts
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients until well combined.
  2. Shape large teaspoonfuls of dough into crescent shapes.
  3. Bake for 20 minutes at 325°F (163°C).
  4. While warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar.
  5. Allow cookies to cool and roll in powdered sugar again if desired.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and toasting the chopped nuts before mixing them in. You can substitute half of the flour with almond flour for a nutty twist. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, increase the sugar slightly or add a bit of cinnamon for warmth. Ensure the dough is chilled for easier shaping into crescents.

Serving Suggestions

These Christmas Crescents are delightful served alongside a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. For a festive platter, pair them with other holiday treats like Sugarless Banana-Walnut Bread or Orange Penuche. They also make great gifts when packaged in decorative tins, adding a personal touch to your holiday celebrations.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving and roll again in powdered sugar if desired.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Christmas Crescents contains roughly 143 calories, with 2g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.

143 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.2g 4% DV
Total Fat 1g 1% DV
Carbs 19.2g 7% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 2.6g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 43.1mg 2% DV
Potassium 66.3mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 1.9mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0mcg
Vitamin C 1.8mg 2% DV
Calcium 6.9mg 1% DV
Iron 1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for chopped nuts, you can use walnuts, pecans, or even pistachios based on your preference. Each type of nut will bring a unique flavor and texture to the crescents. Just ensure they are finely chopped for even distribution in the dough.

Is there a way to make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious. You could also experiment with almond flour for a nuttier flavor.

How can I make these crescents more festive?

To add a festive touch, consider incorporating citrus zest, like orange or lemon, into the dough. You could also drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies or sprinkle them with holiday-themed sprinkles before rolling in powdered sugar for a colorful presentation.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →