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    Home » Desserts » Austrian Crescent Cookies With Powdered Sugar Topping

    Published: Dec 7, 2020 · Modified: Feb 25, 2022 by Nancy · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Austrian Crescent Cookies With Powdered Sugar Topping

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These almond crescent cookies are light, flaky, traditional Christmas cookies that should be part of your annual baking ritual!

    A plate with 3 crescent cookies on it next to a cup of coffee, with a serving tray of cookies in th background
    Austrian vanillekipferl, aka almond crescent cookies

    Crescent Cookies Are An Old Austrian Tradition

    Almond crescent cookies are a traditional shortbread holiday cookie that originated in Austria in the 13th century. Also popular throughout other European countries such as Hungary and Germany, they became known worldwide largely through Germany's influence in the 20th century, and are often mistaken as a German creation.

    There Are No Eggs in Crescent Cookies

    Most cookie recipes call for eggs, which act as a binder and give them structure. Traditional crescent cookies are not made with eggs, which gives them their flaky, delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. They taste wonderful, but if you're transporting them to someone's house be careful -- they break easily!

    Do I Have to Use Almonds?

    The original and authentic Austrian version of this cookie calls for almonds, but there is no law that says you have to make the original version! Pecans, walnuts and almonds can be used interchangeably in recipes. They do have a different flavor, so if you favor one over the other, feel free to use it.

    My girlfriend Jean Marie sent me this mid century recipe for a pecan crescent cookie belonging to her mom, Jean. Our moms worked together at Sears in the 1960's and 70's, and often brought baked goods in to work and shared recipes. Our moms are no longer with us, and we both cherish the hand written recipes we've inherited. I love the simplicity of her 5-ingredient recipe!

    Handwritten Recipe
    Another version: pecan crescent cookies

    Hints For Crescent Cookie Success

    • Use a nut grinder on it's finest setting to grind the almonds.
    • Keep a uniform size to the cookies so they bake evenly and are done at the same time.
    • The dough is supposed to be dry and flaky, however if it is too dry to work with you can add a tablespoon of milk.
    dessert plate with 3 crescent cookies next to a cup of coffee

    Almond Crescent Cookies With Powdered Sugar Topping

    Nancy Blackstone
    These almond crescent cookies are light, flaky, traditional Christmas cookies that should be part of your annual baking ritual!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 4 hours hrs 37 minutes mins
    Cook Time 12 minutes mins
    Total Time 12 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine Austrian
    Servings 36 cookies
    Calories 116 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    Cookie Dough

    • 1 cup butter room temperature
    • ⅔ cup sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon almond extract
    • 2 ½ cups flour
    • 1 cup ground almonds

    Topping

    • ½ cup powdered sugar
    • 1 package vanilla sugar 1 ½ teaspoons

    Instructions
     

    • Beat butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract with an electric mixer until thoroughly mixed. 
    • Add in the flour and ground almonds, and knead with your hands until fully combined.
    • Roll the dough into a log, wrap in plastic wrap and chill for one hour.
    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 
    • Combine the powdered sugar and vanilla sugar for the topping and set aside.
    • Slice small sections of dough and form into crescent shapes. Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet. 
    • Bake 12 minutes or until cookies begin to turn a light golden color. 
    • Dust with sugar mixture after removing from oven, while hot. 

    Notes

    Ground pecans or walnuts can be substituted for almonds.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 116kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 45mgPotassium: 11mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 158IUCalcium: 9mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword almond crescent cookies, Christmas cookies, holiday cookies, mid century cookies, old fashioned cookies, pecan crescent cookies, walnut crescent cookies
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Nancy and Bentley

    Hi, I'm Nancy! Welcome to Flourchild where I share classic mid-century recipes from the 1940's - 1970's. I feature many vintage handwritten recipes, and provide modern shortcuts and a variety of healthy and special diet-friendly versions whenever possible. Join me in exploring the delicious flavors and from-scratch cooking techniques of our past!

    More about me →

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      Nancy and Bentley

      Hi, I'm Nancy! Welcome to Flourchild where I share classic mid-century recipes from the 1940's - 1970's. I feature many vintage handwritten recipes, and provide modern shortcuts and a variety of healthy and special diet-friendly versions whenever possible. Join me in exploring the delicious flavors and from-scratch cooking techniques of our past!

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