Almond Cinnamon Crescents

🥐 Almond Cinnamon Crescents 🥐

Almond Cinnamon Crescents are delightful pastries that combine the rich, nutty flavor of almonds with the warm, comforting taste of cinnamon. These crescent-shaped treats are not only delicious but also have an interesting history and are relatively simple to prepare.

📜 History:
The exact origin of Almond Cinnamon Crescents is a bit elusive, but they are firmly rooted in European pastry traditions. Crescent-shaped pastries, in general, have a long history in European baking. The crescent shape is often associated with the Austrian “kipferl,” a type of pastry that dates back to the 13th century. Over time, variations of crescent-shaped pastries have emerged in different countries, with diverse fillings and flavors. Almond and cinnamon became popular ingredients due to their aromatic and complementary qualities, resulting in the creation of Almond Cinnamon Crescents as we know them today.

🥖 Components:
To make Almond Cinnamon Crescents, you’ll need the following components:

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 1 cup almond meal or finely ground almonds
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
   • Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the dough comes together.
   • Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape them into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • In another bowl, mix together the almond meal, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.

3. Assemble the Crescents:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • Roll out one portion of the chilled dough into a circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
   • Spread half of the almond-cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
   • Using a pizza cutter or a knife, cut the dough into 12 equal wedges.
   • Starting at the wide end of each wedge, roll it up to form a crescent shape.
   • Place the crescents on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with the second portion of dough and the remaining filling.

4. Bake:

   • Bake the crescents in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until they are lightly golden.

5. Prepare the Glaze:

   • While the crescents are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract (if using) to make the glaze. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.

6. Finish:

   • Once the crescents are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes, then drizzle the glaze over the warm pastries.

🕒 Time Needed:

• Preparation: 20-30 minutes
• Chilling: 30 minutes
• Baking: 15-18 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes

Enjoy your homemade Almond Cinnamon Crescents! 🥐😋

Certainly, here is the nutrition information for Almond Cinnamon Crescents:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, assuming recipe makes 24 crescents):

• Calories: Approximately 220 kcal
• Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 2g

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary depending on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Almond Cinnamon Crescents are a delicious treat but should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet due to their sugar and fat content.