Prepare for wide eyes and beaming smiles when it’s time for dessert with our Cornulețe Crescent Cookies recipe!

These crescent moon-shaped pastries are bound to sprinkle a touch of magic onto your dinner table.

What are Cornulețe (Crescent Cookies)?

A Beloved Tradition

Cornulețe are cherished pastries in Romanian and Moldovan cuisines, often gracing tables during holidays and celebrations. These crescent-shaped treats are made from a buttery dough and filled with a luscious mixture of nuts, dried fruits, or jams, rolled into their iconic crescent shape.

Get Creative with Fillings

While our recipe features apricot jam, dried apricots, and walnuts, feel free to explore other options like Turkish delight or other fruit jams to customize your Cornulețe.

Recipe Ingredients

For the Dough

500 g flour (450 g for the dough, 50 g for preparation)

200 g butter (cold, diced)

3 egg yolks

150 g sour cream

1 tsp baking powder

1 tbsp lemon peel

½ tsp salt

50 g powdered sugar

For the Filling

80 g walnuts (crushed)

80 g dried apricots (diced)

80 g apricot jam

For Decoration

80 g powdered sugar

🥐 Cornulețe FRAGEDE cu untură și smântână 🥐 - rețeta de cornulețe cu drojdie pentru sărbători

Video by Bucate Aromate

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Mix the Dough

Combine diced butter, egg yolks, salt, lemon peel, powdered sugar, baking powder, and sour cream. Gradually add sifted flour, mixing first with a spoon, then kneading by hand until elastic. Chill the dough for 30 minutes.

Step 2 – Prepare the Filling

Mix crushed walnuts, diced apricots, and apricot jam to create the filling.

Step 3 – Roll the Dough

Divide the dough into four equal parts. Roll each ball into a thin circle (2–3 mm thick, about 12 inches in diameter). Cut into 16 triangles, place filling at the base, and roll into crescents.

Step 4 – Bake the Cookies

Dear Lykkers, arrange the crescents on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake at 170°C (340°F) for 15–17 minutes until golden.

Step 5 – Add the Finishing Touch

While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar. Arrange on a plate for serving.

What to Serve with Cornulete

Coffee or Tea

Pair these delightful cookies with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy treat.

Fruity Additions

Serve with leftover jam or fresh fruits for an extra splash of flavor.

Decadent Pairings

Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Cornulețe are an irresistible combination of buttery, crumbly pastry and rich, sweet filling. Whether for holidays or a midweek treat, these cookies will disappear as quickly as you make them.