Mincemeat Crescents
Delightful mincemeat crescents combine flaky pastry with sweet mincemeat filling and a cinnamon-sugar coating, perfect for holiday treats or special occasions with warm, festive flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together margarine and cream cheese until well blended.
- Mix in flour to form a dough.
- Shape dough into a smooth ball.
- Wrap in aluminum foil and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Roll out dough to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut out circles using a 3-inch round cookie cutter.
- Place about 1 teaspoon of mincemeat in the center of each circle.
- Fold over and press edges together to seal.
- Place cookies on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for about 15 minutes.
- Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Roll warm cookies in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Cool cookies before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute butter for margarine. If you prefer a less sweet filling, consider using homemade mincemeat or reducing the sugar. To make the dough easier to handle, chill it longer if it's too soft. Ensure the edges are well sealed to prevent filling from leaking during baking. These crescents can also be made with other fillings like fruit preserves.
Serving Suggestions
These mincemeat crescents are delightful served warm or at room temperature. Consider pairing them with a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee for a cozy treat. They also pair beautifully with Elaine's Chocolate Delight With Oreos for a dessert platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover crescents in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they will keep for about a week. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their flaky texture before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mincemeat Crescents contains roughly 114 calories, with 2g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 8g fat.
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 make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. After shaping it into a ball, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before rolling it out to make it easier to work with.
What can I use instead of mincemeat?
If you don't have mincemeat on hand, you can use fruit preserves or a mixture of chopped dried fruits and nuts for a similar texture and sweetness. Applesauce mixed with spices can also work as a filling alternative for a different flavor profile.
Can I freeze these crescents?
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked crescents for up to three months. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven for the best texture.
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).