Vanilla Walnut Crescents

Total Time
Prep: 30 min. + chilling Bake: 20 min./batch

Updated on Mar. 04, 2023

Friends look forward to receiving a gift of these crescents. They're my all-time favorite cookies. The pastry is tender and flaky, and the vanilla flavor comes through beautifully. —Betty Lawton, Pennington, New Jersey

Test Kitchen Approved

Vanilla Walnut Crescents

Contest Winner
Yield: 3 dozen
Prep: 30 min
Cook: 20 min

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cold butter, cubed
  • 1 large egg, separated
  • 2/3 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup finely chopped walnuts
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk, sour cream and vanilla; add to crumb mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
  2. Divide dough into thirds. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 10-in. circle. Combine the walnuts, sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle 1/4 cup over each circle. Cut each circle into 12 wedges.
  3. Roll up each wedge from the wide end and place point side down 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Curve ends to form crescents. Whisk egg white until foamy; brush over crescents. Sprinkle with remaining nut mixture.
  4. Bake at 350° for 18-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. Store in an airtight container.
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