Walnut Crescents are delicate, buttery cookies shaped into little crescent moons and rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy finish. Often served during holidays or at tea time, these cookies have a rich yet tender crumb, thanks to a combination of butter and shortening. The chopped walnuts add a rustic crunch that balances the melt-in-your-mouth texture. Simple, elegant, and packed with old-fashioned charm, this recipe has stood the test of time for good reason.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (or margarine, softened)
- ½ cup shortening
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp water
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup walnuts (finely chopped )
- Powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
Step 1: Cream the Base
- Cream together the butter, shortening, and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Flavor and Texture
- Mix in the water and vanilla. Stir in the flour and finely chopped walnuts until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Shape and Chill
- Form dough into small balls, then roll each into crescent shapes. Chill crescents for about 30 minutes.
Step 4: Bake
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Place crescents on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Do not allow cookies to brown.
Step 5: Sugar Finish
- While still warm, roll cookies gently in powdered sugar to coat.
Tips
- Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading
- Roll cookies small for classic delicate crescents
- Toast walnuts lightly for deeper flavor
- Substitute pecans for walnuts if desired
- Use real butter for best texture and taste
- Dust cookies while still slightly warm for better sugar adhesion
- Store in airtight tins to preserve tenderness
- These freeze well before or after baking
Nutrition
Calories: 121kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 36mgPotassium: 25mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 0.5IUVitamin C: 0.03mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg
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