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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 325°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring an optimal baking surface.
- 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.
- Introduce finely chopped pecans and pure vanilla extract into the butter mixture, stirring until evenly distributed for consistent flavor.
- Carefully fold in flour and salt, mixing gently until the dough forms a cohesive, soft texture that holds its shape without excessive stickiness.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer the sugar-dusted cookies to a wire cooling rack, permitting them to reach complete room temperature and achieve their final crisp texture.
- 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