Buttery Walnut Crescent Cookies with Cinnamon

Prep: 15 minCook: 20 min3 cookiesmediumAmerican
Buttery Walnut Crescent Cookies with Cinnamon

Delicate shortbread-style cookies featuring finely chopped walnuts and warm cinnamon, shaped into elegant crescents and dusted with powdered sugar. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for holidays, tea time, or special occasions. The combination of butter, vanilla, and toasted walnut flavor creates a sophisticated cookie that's surprisingly simple to make. Can also be shaped into balls for a more rustic presentation.

Vegetarian

Ingredients

Yield: 3 cookies
  • 1 cup butter
    vegan butter1:1vegandairy-free

    4

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
    gluten-free flour blend1:1gluten-freegluten-free

    3

  • ½ cup walnuts, finely chopped in food processor
    pecans1:1nut-free

    4

    Full guide →
  • powdered sugar, for coating

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cream butter with confectioners' sugar and blend well

  2. 2

    Combine flour and cinnamon in separate bowl

  3. 3

    Add flour mixture to butter mixture a bit at a time and mix well

  4. 4

    Add vanilla extract and stir in chopped walnuts

  5. 5

    Shape teaspoonfuls of dough into crescent shapes

  6. 6

    Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 325 degrees F for 18-20 minutes

  7. 7

    Let cookies cool for about 5 minutes

  8. 8

    Coat well with powdered sugar

Tips

Tip 1

Finely chop walnuts in food processor for even distribution and better texture in the delicate dough

Tip 2

Let cookies cool slightly before coating with powdered sugar to prevent melting but ensure good adhesion

Good to Know

Storage

Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week

Make Ahead

Dough can be shaped and refrigerated up to 2 days before baking

Serve With

Serve at room temperature, dust with additional powdered sugar if needed

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overbake to avoid dry, crumbly texture

Watch

Cool cookies slightly before dusting to prevent powdered sugar from melting

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

butter→
vegan butter1:1vegandairy-free

4

Full guide →

Gluten-Free Swaps

all-purpose flour→
gluten-free flour blend1:1gluten-freegluten-free

3

Nut-Free Alternatives

walnuts→
pecans1:1nut-free

4

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and re-dust with powdered sugar before serving.

What if my dough is too crumbly to shape?

Add 1 tablespoon of milk or cream to help bind the dough. The butter should be properly creamed for best results.

Can I make these ahead for parties?

Absolutely. These cookies actually improve after a day as flavors meld. Store covered and dust with fresh powdered sugar before serving.