Traditional German Almond Crescents
Making delicious and healthy treats can be simple and fun. One such treat is the Traditional German Almond Crescents. These delightful cookies have a rich almond flavor and are perfect for any occasion. You can enjoy them for a snack or dessert, and they can also fit into a well-balanced diet, making them great for meal prep.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
These Almond Crescents are a lighter option compared to many other cookies. They are low in calories and are made with nutritious ingredients like almond paste and sliced almonds, which can offer healthy fats and protein. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also fabulous for a weight loss diet since they are small in size and fulfill your sweet cravings without excessive calories. Perfect for those seeking a diabetic-friendly treat, these crescents can be made even healthier with simple modifications.
HOW TO MAKE Traditional German Almond Crescents
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small pot or microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
- Spoon or hands for mixing
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 200g marzipan or almond paste
- 100g powdered sugar
- 1 egg white
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
- 80g sliced almonds
- 100g dark chocolate (for dipping)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, break the marzipan into small pieces. Add powdered sugar, egg white, and almond extract. Mix with a spoon or your hands until smooth.
- Divide the dough into 10–12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a log and shape into a crescent.
- Press each crescent into sliced almonds so they’re coated on all sides.
- Place them on the baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, until just lightly golden on top. Let them cool fully on the baking sheet.
- Melt dark chocolate in a small bowl. Dip both ends of each cookie into the chocolate and return to the parchment until set.
HOW TO SERVE Traditional German Almond Crescents
These crescents can be served as a delightful treat with your afternoon tea or coffee. For a healthy serving idea, consider pairing them with a small bowl of fresh berries or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added protein and nutrients. Remember, portion control is important, so keep to one or two cookies to satisfy your sweet tooth without overindulging.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Traditional German Almond Crescents
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you wish to store them longer, you can freeze them. Simply place the crescents in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
For a balanced snack, serve your crescents with a slice of whole-grain bread topped with almond butter. This combination adds protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making your snack more filling and nutritious.
VARIATIONS
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Healthier Version: For a healthier version, consider using a sugar substitute such as erythritol instead of powdered sugar, ensuring it remains low in calories.
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High-Protein or Low-Carb Version: You can make a high-protein version by adding protein powder to the dough. Swap out the marzipan for ground almonds or almond flour to keep it lower in carbs while maintaining the almond flavor.
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Air Fryer Version: If you prefer using an air fryer, you can shape the crescents and place them in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 160°C (320°F) and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway, until they’re golden. This method gives you a delightful crispy texture while reducing baking time.
FAQs
1. Are Almond Crescents gluten-free?
Yes, Traditional German Almond Crescents are gluten-free as they primarily consist of almond ingredients rather than flour.
2. How can I make these lower in sugar?
You can use a sugar substitute for the powdered sugar. Options like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener work well to lower the sugar content.
3. How should I store leftover Almond Crescents?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage.
4. Can I adapt this recipe for a high-protein diet?
Yes! Adding protein powder to the recipe can help increase the protein content, making it suitable for high-protein diets.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Traditional German Almond Crescents
These Almond Crescents are truly great for meal prep. You can prepare the dough ahead of time and shape the crescents. Store them unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze the shaped crescents for longer storage. When you’re ready to bake, you can pop them in the oven straight from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes them perfect for quick, healthy snacks or desserts whenever you need something sweet without the hassle.
By making these delightful Traditional German Almond Crescents, you embrace traditional flavors while keeping health in mind. They not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also fit beautifully in a balanced diet. Enjoy this delicious treat knowing that you’re making a healthy choice!
Traditional German Almond Crescents
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, break the marzipan into small pieces. Add powdered sugar, egg white, and almond extract. Mix until smooth.
- Divide the dough into 10–12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a log and shape into a crescent.
- Press each crescent into sliced almonds so they’re coated on all sides.
- Place the crescents on the baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, until just lightly golden on top.
- Let them cool fully on the baking sheet.
- Melt dark chocolate in a small bowl. Dip both ends of each cookie into the chocolate and return to the parchment until set.