Are you craving a delicious and easy dessert that's perfect for any occasion? Look no further! These German Vanilla Crescent Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delights that are surprisingly simple to make. This recipe is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, resulting in a treat that's far superior to anything you can buy in a store. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, you'll find this recipe incredibly straightforward and rewarding. Let's get started on this quick dinner alternative (or perfect addition to your next dinner party!).
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but can be done by hand if you’re feeling ambitious!
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Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Shape the Crescents: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball into a 4-inch crescent shape. Place the crescents onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each cookie.
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Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
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Cool & Dust: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Crescent Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, but not melted. This will ensure that it creams properly with the sugar.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Even Baking: Ensure your cookies are evenly spaced on the baking sheet for consistent baking.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cookies to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent clumping.
Variations:
- Chocolate Crescents: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a delicious chocolate twist.
- Lemon Crescents: Replace the vanilla extract with 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and ½ teaspoon of lemon extract.
- Nutty Crescents: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) to the dough.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: 6-7g
- Sugar: 6-8g
These German Vanilla Crescent Cookies are a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals (in moderation, of course!). They're perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy these delicious dishes, and remember to share them with friends and family! They are sure to be a hit!