Buttery Pecan Crescent Cookies Recipe: A Holiday Dream Bite

Delicate and buttery pecan crescent cookies melt into a delightful dance of sweetness that captures holiday memories.

Whispers of nostalgia drift through grandma’s kitchen with each delicate shape.

Nutty aromas signal something magical is about to emerge from the oven.

Southern bakers have long treasured this delicate pastry as a cherished tradition.

Powdered sugar transforms these crescents into elegant little clouds of pure comfort.

Soft and tender, they practically dissolve on your tongue with remarkable grace.

Why Pecan Crescent Cookies Always Steal The Show

• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The combination of butter, pecans, and powdered sugar creates an incredibly soft, delicate cookie that literally melts on your tongue.
• Holiday Charm: Perfect for festive gatherings, these crescent cookies bring a touch of elegance to Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special celebration with their classic shape and delightful taste.
• Versatile Treat: Suitable for baking beginners and experienced home bakers alike, these cookies require simple ingredients and basic baking skills, making them a foolproof dessert option for all skill levels.

Dough and Filling for Pecan Crescent Cookies

• Butter: Rich, creamy base that creates soft cookie texture. Softened at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Confectioners' Sugar, Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and smooth finishing coating. Fine texture helps create delicate cookies.

• Pecans: Nutty crunch that adds depth and texture. Chopped finely for even distribution. Fresh, high-quality nuts recommended.
• Vanilla Extract: Warm, classic flavoring that complements butter and nuts. Pure vanilla provides best taste.

• All-Purpose Flour: Structural foundation for cookie shape. Standard, unbleached flour works best.
• Salt: Subtle flavor enhancement and balance to sweetness. Fine table salt preferred.

How To Prepare Pecan Crescent Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to a cozy 325°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grab an ungreased cookie sheet.

Get your mixing tools and ingredients ready for a delightful baking adventure.

Step 2: Whip Butter to Fluffy Perfection

Grab a large mixing bowl and your electric mixer.

Beat the softened butter until it becomes light and airy, creating a cloud-like texture.

Slowly introduce confectioners’ sugar at a low speed, blending until the mixture becomes smooth and irresistible.

Step 3: Fold in Nutty Goodness

Time to add some crunch!

• Chopped pecans
• Vanilla extract

Mix them lovingly into the buttery base, letting the flavors dance together.

Step 4: Create Cookie Dough Magic

• All-purpose flour
• Salt

Blend until the dough comes together, aiming for a soft texture that’s not too sticky.

You want a dough that’s just right – not too wet, not too dry.

Step 5: Shape Delicate Crescents

Take a small teaspoon of dough and roll it into adorable little crescent moons.

Place each cookie on the prepared baking sheet, giving them plenty of breathing room – about two inches apart.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for those beautiful golden-brown edges that signal cookie deliciousness.

Step 7: Dust with Sweet Snow

Prepare a bowl of powdered sugar.

Once the cookies have cooled slightly on the baking sheet, gently roll them in the snowy sugar while they’re still warm.

This creates a magical, melt-in-your-mouth coating.

Step 8: Cool and Set

Transfer the cookies to a wire rack.

Let them cool completely, allowing their flavors to settle and their texture to become perfectly crisp.

Step 9: Store and Enjoy

Tuck your precious cookies into an airtight container.

They’ll stay fresh and delectable for up to a week – if they last that long!

Cookie Baking Tips For Pecan Crescent Perfection

• Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before beating to ensure smooth, fluffy texture without melting.
• Use a sharp knife to finely chop pecans for even distribution and delicate cookie texture, avoiding large chunks that might break the crescent shape.
• Dust cookies gently with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve for an even, light coating that doesn't overwhelm the delicate pecan flavor.
• Watch cookies closely after 15 minutes, removing them when edges turn light golden to maintain a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• Separate cookie layers with parchment paper when storing to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate powdered sugar coating.

Crescent Cookies Stay Buttery When Covered

• Pack cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They'll stay fresh for up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing their delicate texture and flavor.
• Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Dust with fresh powdered sugar to revive their original coating.
• Warm cookies briefly in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore their just-baked crispness. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy.

Sweet Picks For Crescent Cookies

• Pair Sweet Sip with Pecan Crescent Cookies: Rich, creamy hot chocolate complements the buttery, nutty flavor of these delicate cookies. The warmth of the drink enhances the sweet pecan notes.
• Create Contrasting Coffee Experience: Serve a bold espresso or strong black coffee alongside these cookies. The bitter coffee cuts through the sweetness, creating a balanced and satisfying taste combination.
• Match with Dessert Wine Elegance: Select a light moscato or sweet sherry to elevate the cookie's delicate texture. These wines highlight the pecan's nutty undertones and provide a luxurious dessert pairing.
• Explore Chai Tea Harmony: Brew a warming chai tea with hints of cinnamon and cardamom. The spicy, aromatic tea beautifully complements the sweet, buttery crescent cookies, offering a comforting flavor profile.

Buttery Crescent Cookie Options

• Gluten-Free Crescent Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same soft texture and nutty flavor while making the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Chocolate Pecan Variation: Mix in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies, adding a rich and decadent layer to the classic recipe.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, keeping the same crescent shape and pecan crunch while accommodating dairy-free dietary needs.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cookies' traditional delicate sweetness.

FAQs

• Are pecans essential for this recipe?

Pecans provide a rich, nutty flavor and crucial texture to these cookies. If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute with finely chopped almonds or simply omit nuts, though the taste profile will change.

• Why use confectioners' sugar instead of regular sugar?

Confectioners’ sugar creates a softer, more delicate texture in crescent cookies. Its fine powder helps achieve a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency that granulated sugar cannot replicate.

• How can I prevent the cookies from breaking when shaping?

Work with chilled dough and use gentle, light pressure when forming crescents. Cold dough holds its shape better and is less likely to crumble during shaping.

• What's the best way to ensure even baking?

Use a light-colored baking sheet and rotate the pan halfway through baking. This helps prevent uneven browning and ensures all cookies cook uniformly.

Pecan Crescent Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful pecan crescent cookies emerge as winter’s sweetest embrace, melting with buttery richness. Nutty crescents dusted with powdered sugar promise comfort and charm for holiday celebrations.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

Fat and Sweet Components:

• 1/2 cup confectioners sugar (plus extra for rolling)

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 325°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring an optimal baking surface.
2. Using an electric mixer, whip the butter until it achieves a light, airy texture, then gradually incorporate confectioners’ sugar at a low speed for smooth integration.
3. Introduce finely chopped pecans and pure vanilla extract into the butter mixture, stirring until evenly distributed for consistent flavor.
4. Carefully fold in flour and salt, mixing gently until the dough forms a cohesive, soft texture that holds its shape without excessive stickiness.
5. Craft delicate crescent-shaped cookies by pinching small portions of dough and curving them into elegant half-moon formations, positioning each piece with ample spacing on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Transfer the cookie-laden sheet to the preheated oven, allowing the crescents to bake for 15-20 minutes until the edges develop a golden-brown hue, signaling perfect doneness.
7. Create a powdered sugar coating station by filling a medium bowl with the sugar, then delicately roll the slightly cooled cookies to enrobe them in a soft, sweet layer while they retain a hint of warmth.
8. Transfer the sugar-dusted cookies to a wire cooling rack, permitting them to reach complete room temperature and achieve their final crisp texture.
9. Preserve the cookies’ freshness by storing them in an airtight container, which will maintain their delicate flavor and texture for up to one week.

Notes

• Ensure butter is at room temperature for seamless mixing and optimal cookie texture.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the cookies.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain crescent shape.
• Substitute gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste or texture.
• Use a light touch when rolling cookies in powdered sugar to avoid thick, clumpy coating.
• Experiment with different nut variations like walnuts or almonds for unique flavor profiles.
• Store cookies between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain delicate texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 136
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 47 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg