These nut-filled crescent cookies are a delicious combination of tender, buttery dough and a rich, sweet nutty filling. The dough, made with a mixture of flour, butter, and cream cheese, is soft yet flaky, creating the perfect base for the nutty filling. The filling is a blend of ground nuts, sugar, and a hint of warm spices. Optional apricot jam can be added for a touch of fruitiness. These delicate, crescent-shaped pastries are perfect for a cozy treat or to share with loved ones during special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This:
These crescent cookies offer a wonderful balance of textures and flavors, from the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth dough to the crunchy, spiced nut filling. The use of cream cheese in the dough creates a light, flaky texture that’s easy to work with, while the nuts add a satisfying crunch. The optional apricot jam adds a fruity sweetness that complements the rich nutty flavor. These cookies are simple to make yet taste incredibly indulgent, making them a perfect treat for both everyday and festive occasions.
Perfect Occasion:
These crescent cookies are perfect for gatherings, whether it’s a family celebration, a holiday, or just an afternoon treat with tea or coffee. They also make a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family, wrapped up beautifully in a box or tin. Their delicate crescent shape and nutty filling make them an ideal dessert to bring to parties or as a sweet snack to enjoy after dinner.
Decoration Tips:
For a classic look, dust the cookies with powdered sugar once they have cooled. To add an extra layer of indulgence, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the top of each crescent. For added texture and flavor, sprinkle a few crushed nuts on top before baking. If you want to make them even more special, you can glaze the cookies lightly after baking for a glossy finish.
Ingredients for the Dough:
- 150 grams of flour
- 100 grams of softened butter
- 100 grams of cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- 70 grams of ground nuts (such as hazelnuts or almonds)
- 70 grams of brown sugar
- 70 grams of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder
- 1-2 tablespoons of cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 3-4 tablespoons of apricot jam (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and salt. Knead with your hands until a smooth dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours. - Prepare the Filling:
In a bowl, mix together the ground nuts, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Set the filling aside. - Roll and Fill the Dough:
After chilling, divide the dough into two equal halves. Keep one half in the refrigerator while working with the other. Knead the first half briefly and shape it into a ball. On a lightly floured surface, spread half of the filling, then place the dough on top and roll it into a circle, about 1 cm thick. If using apricot jam, spread a thin layer over the rolled-out dough. - Shape the Crescents:
Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 16 triangular pieces, similar to slicing a pie. Roll each piece from the wide end to the narrow tip, forming a crescent shape. Place the crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - Repeat with the Second Half:
Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling. - Bake the Crescents:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the crescent cookies on the middle rack and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a light golden color. The cookies will be soft when they come out of the oven but will firm up as they cool. - Cool and Decorate:
Let the cookies cool completely before handling. Dust with powdered sugar or add your desired decoration.
Enjoy!
