Viennese Crescents
Delicate Viennese Crescents are buttery, almond-flavored cookies dusted with confectioners sugar, perfect for holiday treats or elegant gatherings. Light, melt-in-your-mouth, and irresistibly sweet.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a large cookie sheet.
- In a large bowl, hand mix confectioners sugar with flour, softened butter, almond extract, salt, and ground almonds until well blended.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- With hands, shape 1 teaspoon of dough into a 1 1/2 inch crescent shape.
- Place on the prepared cookie sheet 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Remove cookies to wire racks and let cool completely.
- Store crescents in tightly covered containers.
- Just before serving, sprinkle with confectioners sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the ground almonds before mixing them into the dough. If you don't have almond extract, try using vanilla extract as a substitute, though it will change the flavor profile slightly. Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture. To achieve a uniform crescent shape, use a small ice cream scoop for even portions.
Serving Suggestions
These delicate crescents are perfect for holiday gatherings or afternoon tea. Serve them alongside English Oven Scones for a delightful spread. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, dust them with additional confectioners' sugar just before serving, or try drizzling with melted chocolate for an extra indulgence.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Viennese crescents in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them; place layers of parchment paper between the cookies in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Avoid refrigerating, as this may alter their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Viennese Crescents contains roughly 19 calories, with 0g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 0g 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 use regular sugar instead of confectioners' sugar?
Using regular sugar will change the texture and sweetness of the crescents. Confectioners' sugar contains cornstarch, which helps create a tender cookie. If you're in a pinch, you can blend granulated sugar in a blender until it's fine, but the result won't be quite the same.
What can I substitute for blanched slivered almonds?
If you don't have blanched slivered almonds, you can substitute with finely chopped walnuts or pecans. Alternatively, use almond flour for a smoother texture, but it will require adjustment in the flour quantity to maintain the consistency of the dough.
Can I make these crescents gluten-free?
Yes, you can make gluten-free Viennese crescents by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for proper binding. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still be delightful.
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).