Why You’ll Love Mom’s Christmas Crescent Cookies Recipe

These cookies are beloved for their simple, classic flavors and tender texture. With just a handful of pantry ingredients, you can create a holiday treat that’s nostalgic, impressive, and delicious. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or cozying up by the tree with a warm drink, these crescent cookies deliver that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cup all-purpose flour
cup cold salted butter, or 8 tablespoons
tablespoon white sugar
teaspoons vanilla extract
teaspoon cinnamon
cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine the flour, cubed cold butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and white sugar. Pulse or mix until a dough forms.
Divide the dough into two portions and form each into a log about 6×2 inches. Slice each log into 1-inch pieces.
Roll each piece between your palms into a 3-inch strand, then gently shape it into a crescent. Place shaped cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Refrigerate the shaped cookies for 10–15 minutes to help them hold their shape during baking.
Bake for 9 minutes, then rotate the pan and bake another 9 minutes until lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool completely before generously dusting them with powdered sugar.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 16 cookies.
Prep time: approximately 30 minutes.
Cook time: about 18 minutes.
Total time: around 48 minutes.

Variations

• Almond-kissed crescents: Add finely chopped almonds or almond extract for a nutty twist.
• Chocolate-dipped: After cooling, dip one end of each cookie in melted chocolate and let set.
• Spiced up: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for additional warm holiday spice.
• Citrus-zest: Stir in a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to brighten the flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the dough logs wrapped in plastic and a freezer bag for up to 2 months; slice and bake from frozen as needed. Reheat baked cookies in a low oven (about 300°F / 150°C) for a few minutes to refresh their texture.

FAQs

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the shaped cookies before baking ensures the butter stays cold and helps them hold their crescent shape.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, substitute cold vegan butter for regular butter to make them dairy-free.

Why are my cookies too crumbly?

Overworking the dough warms the butter and can make the texture crumbly. Work quickly and refrigerate if needed.

Can I freeze baked cookies?

Baked cookies can be frozen in an airtight container, but the dough freezes best for future baking.

What’s the best way to dust with powdered sugar?

Make sure the cookies are completely cool, then sift powdered sugar over them for an even coating.

Can I add nuts to the dough?

Yes — finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts can be folded into the dough for added texture.

Do these cookies need leavening agents?

No — the recipe relies on cold butter and shaping, not baking powder or soda, for its tender texture.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to a week.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes — wrap and refrigerate the dough logs for up to 2 months before slicing and baking.

What does cinnamon add to the recipe?

Cinnamon adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the buttery dough and powdered sugar.

Conclusion

Mom’s Christmas Crescent Cookies are a timeless holiday treat that combines simplicity and tradition in every bite. With tender, buttery dough shaped into crescents and finished with powdered sugar, they’re ideal for sharing with family and friends or gifting during the festive season. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the variations, these cookies are sure to become a holiday staple.

Mom’s Christmas Crescent Cookies

Print Recipe

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These Christmas Crescent Cookies are a classic family recipe made with buttery dough, finely chopped walnuts, and coated in powdered sugar. Perfect for holiday cookie trays and gifting.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
Extra powdered sugar, for rolling

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Gradually mix in flour until dough forms.
Stir in finely chopped walnuts.
Form dough into crescent shapes using about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie.
Place shaped cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly golden.
Allow cookies to cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm.
Let cool completely and roll again in powdered sugar if desired for a snowy effect.

Notes

Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Use finely chopped walnuts for the best texture.
Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Perfect for freezing—store in freezer-safe container and thaw before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 140
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg