Best Pecan Crescent Cookies Recipe Holiday Favorite
These pecan crescent cookies are pure magic in cookie form! Delicate, buttery, and coated in powdered sugar, they practically melt in your mouth with every bite. These elegant little crescents have been gracing holiday tables and special occasions for generations, and once you taste them, you’ll understand why they’ve stood the test of time.
What makes these cookies truly special is their perfect balance of tender texture and rich, nutty flavor. They’re surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and about 45 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or simply treating yourself to something sweet, these cookies deliver elegance without the fuss.
If you loved our classic [chocolate chip cookies], you’re going to adore these pecan crescents! They’re just as easy but bring a sophisticated touch that’ll have everyone asking for your secret recipe. Ready to create some cookie magic?
What Are Pecan Crescent Cookies?
Ever wondered why these delightful treats are shaped like little moons? Pecan crescent cookies, also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, get their name from their distinctive curved shape. They’re buttery shortbread cookies packed with finely chopped pecans and rolled in clouds of powdered sugar.
The crescent shape isn’t just pretty—it’s traditional! Some say they symbolize good fortune and prosperity. Others believe the shape makes them easier to eat with tea (fancy, right?). One thing’s for sure: whoever said “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” must have been thinking of these cookies.
These little crescents have a way of disappearing fast, so you might want to double the batch! Trust me, once you start, you won’t want to stop at just one.
Why You’ll Love This Pecan Crescent Cookies Recipe
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture That’s Simply Divine
The moment you bite into one of these pecan crescent cookies, you’ll experience pure bliss. The cookie literally crumbles and melts on your tongue, releasing waves of buttery, nutty flavor. The secret? A high butter-to-flour ratio and finely ground pecans that create an incredibly tender crumb. Unlike regular cookies that can be crispy or chewy, these have a unique sandy, shortbread-like texture that’s absolutely addictive.
Budget-Friendly Elegance for Any Occasion
Here’s the beautiful truth about these cookies—they look and taste like they came from an expensive bakery, but they cost just pennies to make at home! A bag of pecans, some butter, flour, and powdered sugar are all you need. You’ll save tons compared to buying fancy cookies from specialty shops, and you get the satisfaction of making them yourself. Plus, one batch makes about 3-4 dozen cookies, perfect for gift-giving or feeding a crowd.
That Snowy Powdered Sugar Coating
Let’s talk about the showstopper: that gorgeous coating of powdered sugar that clings to every curve of these cookies. It’s not just for looks—it adds an extra layer of sweetness that perfectly complements the nutty, buttery base. Rolling warm cookies in sugar creates that signature snowy appearance that makes these cookies instantly recognizable and absolutely stunning on any dessert platter.
These cookies remind me a lot of our popular [shortbread cookies recipe], but with an extra nutty dimension that takes them to the next level. Both are wonderfully simple, but these crescents bring something special to the table.
Ready to fill your kitchen with the most amazing aroma and create cookies that’ll have everyone begging for more? Let’s get baking!
How to Make Pecan Crescent Cookies
Quick Overview
These pecan crescent cookies are surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re new to baking. The dough comes together in minutes with just a mixer and bowl.
The pecans get finely chopped (almost ground) and folded into buttery dough, then shaped into those adorable crescents. After a quick bake, they’re rolled in powdered sugar while still warm.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Bake Time: 15-18 minutes Cooling Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Yield: 3-4 dozen cookies
The result? Tender, fragrant cookies with a delicate crumb that’ll transport you straight to dessert heaven.
Key Ingredients for Pecan Crescent Cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – The foundation of flavor and texture
- ½ cup powdered sugar – For the dough, plus 2 cups more for coating
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Structure for the cookies
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness
- 1¾ cups pecans, finely chopped or ground – The star ingredient
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for coating) – Creates that beautiful snowy finish
Pro tip: Toast your pecans for 5-7 minutes at 350°F before chopping for even more intense flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pecans
Start by finely chopping your pecans. You want them quite fine—almost the texture of coarse sand. You can use a food processor for this, pulsing until they’re finely ground but not turned into paste. If you’re chopping by hand, take your time to get them as fine as possible. This step is crucial because large pecan chunks can cause your cookies to crack when shaping.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. The butter should be completely smooth with no lumps remaining. This creaming process incorporates air into the dough, which helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Vanilla
Pour in the vanilla extract and beat for another 30 seconds until fully incorporated. The vanilla will add a wonderful aroma and flavor that complements the butter and pecans beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures even distribution of the salt throughout your cookies. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed. Stop the mixer as soon as the flour is just incorporated—overmixing can make your cookies tough.
Step 5: Fold in the Pecans
Add your finely chopped pecans to the dough. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold them in until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The dough will be fairly stiff and slightly crumbly, which is exactly what you want.
Step 6: Shape the Crescents
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms into a small log shape, about 2 inches long. Then curve it into a crescent or half-moon shape. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies about 1 inch apart—they don’t spread much. Repeat with remaining dough.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 15-18 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops still look pale. Don’t overbake! These cookies should remain quite pale on top. The edges might just barely start to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes—they’ll be very fragile when hot.
Step 8: The Sugar Coating Process
Place 2 cups of powdered sugar in a shallow bowl or pie plate. While the cookies are still warm (but cool enough to handle without burning yourself), gently roll each cookie in the powdered sugar, coating all sides. The warmth helps the sugar stick beautifully. Place the coated cookies on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Second Sugar Coating
Once the cookies are completely cool, roll them in powdered sugar one more time. This second coating creates that gorgeous, thick, snowy appearance that makes these cookies so visually stunning. The extra sugar also adds more sweetness and helps preserve the cookies.
What to Serve Pecan Crescent Cookies With
These versatile cookies pair beautifully with so many beverages and desserts! Here are some wonderful serving suggestions:
Hot Beverages: Serve alongside freshly brewed coffee, espresso, hot chocolate, or chai tea. The cookies’ buttery sweetness complements rich, bold flavors perfectly. They’re also traditional tea cookies, so any variety of tea—from Earl Grey to chamomile—works wonderfully.
Dessert Platters: Arrange these cookies on a platter with other holiday favorites like chocolate truffles, fudge, and peppermint bark for a stunning dessert spread. Their elegant appearance and snowy coating make them a natural centerpiece.
Ice Cream Accompaniment: Crumble a cookie or two over vanilla, butter pecan, or coffee ice cream for an incredible texture contrast and flavor boost.
Top Tips for Perfecting Pecan Crescent Cookies
Use Room Temperature Butter
Your butter should be soft enough to leave an indent when pressed but not greasy or melted. Room temperature butter (around 65-68°F) creams properly with the sugar, creating the right texture. If your butter is too cold, the dough will be difficult to work with. Too warm, and your cookies will spread too much and lose their shape.
Don’t Skip the Fine Chopping
Finely ground pecans are essential! Large chunks make the dough crumbly and cause cookies to break when shaping. Use a food processor or chop very finely by hand. Some bakers even grind half the pecans to a powder for the smoothest texture while leaving the other half slightly coarser for texture.
Chill the Dough If Needed
If your kitchen is warm or the dough feels too soft to shape, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes. Chilled dough is much easier to work with and holds its shape better during baking. Just don’t chill it too long or it’ll become rock hard.
Keep Them Pale
These cookies should barely brown. Watch them carefully near the end of baking time. The bottoms can turn golden, but the tops should remain very pale, almost white. Overbaking makes them dry and crumbly in a bad way.\
Sugar While Warm
The first coating of powdered sugar must happen while cookies are still warm. The heat helps the sugar stick and creates a base layer. The second coating when cool adds that beautiful thick, snowy appearance.
Substitutions and Variations
- Nuts: Try walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts instead of pecans for different flavors
- Flavor Boost: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract along with the vanilla for a more complex flavor
- Spiced Version: Mix ½ teaspoon cinnamon into the flour for a warm, spiced variation
- Chocolate Dipped: After coating in sugar, dip the ends in melted dark chocolate for extra decadence
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—the texture stays surprisingly good
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature Storage: Store completely cooled pecan crescent cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer them between sheets of parchment or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 weeks. The powdered sugar coating may settle slightly, but you can dust them with more sugar before serving.
Refrigerator Storage: While not necessary, refrigerating in an airtight container can extend freshness up to 3 weeks. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Freezer Storage: These cookies freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1 hour), then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, layering with parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can refresh the powdered sugar coating after thawing if needed.
Make-Ahead Dough: The cookie dough can be shaped into crescents and frozen unbaked on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time. This is perfect for having fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes!
No Reheating Needed: These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature. They don’t need reheating, but if you want to refresh them, place in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes, then re-roll in powdered sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my pecan crescent cookies fall apart?
Cookies falling apart usually means the pecans were chopped too large or the dough wasn’t mixed enough. Make sure your pecans are finely ground—almost like coarse meal. Also, ensure the butter and sugar are properly creamed before adding other ingredients. If the dough seems too crumbly, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of milk to help bind it.
Can I make pecan crescent cookies without a food processor?
Absolutely! You can chop the pecans by hand using a sharp knife and cutting board. It takes a bit more time and effort, but it works perfectly. Just make sure to chop them as finely as possible. Alternatively, place the pecans in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Why are my cookies too crumbly and dry?
Overbaking is the most common culprit. These cookies should barely turn golden on the bottom and stay pale on top. Also check that you measured your flour correctly—too much flour creates dry, crumbly cookies. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but reduce the added salt to just a pinch. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the saltiness of your cookies. If using salted butter, taste your dough (it’s safe since there are no eggs) and adjust accordingly.
How do I keep the powdered sugar from disappearing into the cookies?
This is why we coat twice! The first coating while warm gets absorbed slightly, and the second coating when cool sits on top beautifully. If storing for several days, you might want to give them a light dusting of sugar before serving. Store with parchment paper between layers to prevent the sugar from rubbing off.
What’s the difference between pecan crescents, Mexican wedding cookies, and Russian tea cakes?
They’re essentially the same cookie with different names and slight regional variations! Mexican Wedding Cookies are often rolled into balls, while crescents are shaped into curves. Russian Tea Cakes are typically round as well. All feature the same buttery, nutty base and powdered sugar coating.
Can I make these cookies ahead for a party or holiday?
Yes! These are perfect make-ahead cookies. Bake them up to 2 weeks in advance and store in an airtight container, or freeze for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the shaped, unbaked dough and bake fresh batches as needed.
My cookies spread too much. What went wrong?
This usually means the butter was too warm or soft. Make sure your butter is at proper room temperature (softened but still holding its shape). Also, avoid overmixing once you add the flour. If your kitchen is very warm, chill the shaped cookies for 15 minutes before baking.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Cookie (1 oz) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 12mg |
| Sodium | 15mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 11g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 1g |
Note: Nutrition information is approximate and based on 48 cookies per batch.
Final Thoughts
Pecan crescent cookies are a timeless treat that deserves a place in every baker’s repertoire. Their elegant appearance, incredible texture, and rich flavor make them perfect for any occasion—from casual coffee breaks to formal celebrations.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of quality ingredients and minimal effort, you can create cookies that look and taste like they came from a fancy bakery. The tender, buttery crumb combined with toasted pecans and that signature powdered sugar coating creates pure cookie perfection.
Whether you’re baking for the holidays, preparing gifts for friends and neighbors, or simply treating yourself to something special, these cookies never disappoint. They’re also wonderfully forgiving for beginning bakers while still impressive enough to satisfy experienced cookie enthusiasts.
So grab your pecans and butter, and let’s get baking! Your kitchen is about to smell absolutely incredible, and you’re just minutes away from experiencing these delightful little crescents yourself. Once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your baking rotation—I guarantee it!
Happy baking, and enjoy every buttery, nutty, powdered-sugar-coated bite! 🌙✨
