Sweet Moroccan Almond Crescents
Immerse yourself in the enchanting flavors of Morocco with these delightful Sweet Moroccan Almond Crescents. Fusing traditional Middle Eastern ingredients with French pastry techniques, these cookies showcase the rich history of Moroccan desserts. Made with finely ground almonds, fragrant spices, and rich butter, each crescent is delicately coated in sesame seeds, offering a satisfying crunch alongside their tender interior. Perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or as a sweet treat for special occasions, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike. Easy to prepare and even easier to devour, embark on a culinary journey with these authentic pastries!
30
Servings
120
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
blanched finely ground almonds
1 cup (finely ground)
confectioners sugar
1/2 cup (sifted)
honey
1 teaspoon (liquid)
almond extract
1 teaspoon (liquid)
egg
1 (lightly beaten)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
nutmeg
1 pinch (freshly grated or ground)
butter
1/2 cup (at room temperature)
all purpose flour
1 - 1 1/4 cup (sifted)
sesame seeds
1/2 cup (for coating)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and confectioners sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add in the blanched finely ground almonds, honey, almond extract, beaten egg, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
3
Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, you may need to add a little more flour, up to 1/4 cup more if necessary. Once the dough is formed, refrigerate it for about 10 minutes to firm up.
4
Spread sesame seeds onto a small plate. Take a walnut-sized piece of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll the ball in the sesame seeds to coat it thoroughly. Next, roll the ball between your palms into an elongated piece, about 2 inches long, tapering the ends to form a crescent shape.
5
Arrange the crescent-shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between them as they will spread slightly during baking.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Nutrition Information
6.67g
Fat
13.33g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet Moroccan Almond Crescents?
They are traditional Moroccan cookies made with finely ground almonds, fragrant spices, and a sesame seed coating, combining Middle Eastern flavors with French pastry techniques.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the rich history of Moroccan desserts and authentic North African culinary traditions.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
The recipe yields approximately 30 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long should I bake the crescents?
Bake the cookies for approximately 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
What type of almonds are used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of blanched, finely ground almonds.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes, once the dough is formed, refrigerate it for about 10 minutes to help it firm up for shaping.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
You can gradually add a little more flour, up to 1/4 cup more if necessary, until a soft dough forms.
How do I shape the crescent cookies?
Take a walnut-sized piece of dough, roll it into a ball, then into a 2-inch elongated piece, tapering the ends to form a crescent.
What is used to coat the cookies?
The cookies are coated in sesame seeds for a satisfying crunch.
What spices are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for flavor.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each cookie contains approximately 120 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
One serving contains 6.67g of fat.
How much protein is in each crescent?
Each crescent cookie provides 2g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 13.33g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is any honey used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe requires 1 teaspoon of liquid honey.
What type of flour is best for these cookies?
Use sifted all-purpose flour, roughly 1 to 1 1/4 cups.
Should the butter be at room temperature?
Yes, the butter should be at room temperature to cream it properly with the sugar.
Does the recipe use almond extract?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of almond extract is used to enhance the nutty flavor.
Are these cookies suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely, they are described as an impressive treat for special occasions or for enjoying with tea.
What kind of sugar is needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of sifted confectioners sugar.
Do I need to beat the egg before adding it?
Yes, the recipe specifies one lightly beaten egg.
Should I use parchment paper?
Yes, lining the baking sheet with parchment paper is recommended to prevent sticking.
How do I know when the cookies are finished?
They are done when they reach a golden brown color; keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
Where should the cookies cool?
Once removed from the oven, let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
How much sesame seed is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of sesame seeds for coating the dough.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.
What is the texture of these cookies?
They have a tender interior with a satisfying crunch on the outside from the sesame seeds.
Is the nutmeg freshly grated?
The recipe allows for either freshly grated or ground nutmeg.
Can I serve these with beverages?
Yes, they are specifically recommended to be enjoyed with a cup of tea.