Hazelnut Crescents

Name: Hazelnut Crescents
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: about 10 dozen.
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole hazelnuts, ground; Confectioners' sugar

My mom and I make these delicate cookies every Christmas. Hazel nuts give a little different flavor from the usual pecans. —Beverly Launius, Sandwich, Illinois

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole hazelnuts, ground
Confectioners' sugar

Directions

In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Gradually add flour and mix well. Stir in nuts. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until easy to handle.
Shape dough by teaspoonfuls into 2-in. rolls. Form into crescents. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake at 350° for 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool for 2 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Dust with confectioners' sugar.

Originally published as Hazelnut Crescents in Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook 2001