Walnut Shortbread Crescent Cookies

Name: Walnut Shortbread Crescent Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Highlighted under: Artisan Bakery Recipes

These delicate Walnut Shortbread Crescent Cookies melt in your mouth, offering a delightful balance of nutty flavors and buttery goodness.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-03T21:02:27.545Z

These Walnut Shortbread Crescent Cookies are a family favorite, often made during the holiday season. The combination of finely chopped walnuts and rich butter makes each bite a heavenly experience.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich nutty flavor that complements the buttery texture
Cute crescent shape that is perfect for sharing
Quick to prepare, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings

      

The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

Walnut Shortbread Crescent Cookies are not just a delicious treat; they are versatile enough for any occasion. Whether it's a holiday gathering, a casual afternoon tea, or a sweet addition to a dessert table, these cookies fit right in. Their unique crescent shape adds a touch of charm, making them visually appealing and perfect for sharing with friends and family.

These cookies shine during festive seasons, as their buttery, nutty flavor complements traditional desserts. Imagine serving them alongside pies and tarts during Thanksgiving or as a delightful treat at Christmas parties. Their rich taste will have everyone coming back for seconds!

A Simple Recipe for All Skill Levels

Even if you're a novice baker, this Walnut Shortbread Crescent Cookies recipe is easy to follow. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal steps, you can create a batch of cookies that taste like they came from a high-end bakery. The straightforward process allows you to focus on perfecting your technique without feeling overwhelmed.

This recipe is also forgiving, meaning slight variations in measurements or baking time won't ruin your cookies. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, you can enjoy the satisfaction of baking something truly delicious.

Storage and Enjoyment Tips

To keep your Walnut Shortbread Crescent Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep or for enjoying throughout the week. If you want to prolong their freshness, consider freezing them. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they can last for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy them, simply take them out, let them thaw at room temperature, and indulge in the rich, buttery goodness. These cookies also pair wonderfully with coffee or tea, making them a delightful snack any time of day.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
1/4 teaspoon salt

For Coating

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Combine Ingredients

Gradually add the flour, salt, and chopped walnuts to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take small portions of dough and shape them into crescent forms. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake

Bake the cookies for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

Coat with Sugar

In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and cinnamon. While the cookies are still warm, coat them in the sugar mixture.

Enjoy these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!

Customization Ideas

While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to get creative! You can experiment with different nuts such as pecans or almonds for a unique twist. Adding chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate can also enhance the flavor profile and make these cookies even more indulgent.

For a citrusy flair, consider adding a bit of grated lemon or orange zest to the dough. This will brighten the flavors and add an aromatic element that complements the walnuts beautifully.

Why Use Unsalted Butter?

Using unsalted butter in baking allows you to control the amount of salt in your cookies. This is particularly important in delicate recipes like shortbread, where the balance of flavors is key. Unsalted butter ensures that the nutty and buttery flavors of your cookies shine without being overpowered by salt.

Additionally, unsalted butter is fresher than salted butter, as the salt can act as a preservative. This is particularly important for baking, where the quality of ingredients directly impacts the final product.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough or the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve these cookies with?

These cookies pair well with coffee, tea, or as a dessert alongside fresh fruit.