MAKES ABOUT 40
If you’re looking for a little sweet something to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee, these half-moon-shaped cookies are just the thing. They also make a lovely gift at Christmas time—or any time, really!
⅓ cup (45 g) superfine white rice flour, plus more for the work surface
¼ cup (35 g) cornstarch
¼ cup (55 g) superfine sugar
1¼ cups (125 g) hazelnut or almond flour
7 tablespoons (105 g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes, at room temperature
1 large egg yolk, at room temperature, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup (80 g) confectioners’ sugar, plus more for dusting
1. Sift the rice flour and cornstarch into a medium bowl (or whisk in the bowl until well combined). Stir in the superfine sugar and hazelnut flour. Rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles bread crumbs. Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla with a large metal spoon.
2. Lightly sprinkle your work surface with rice flour. Gently press the dough into a ball, turn out onto the floured surface, and knead lightly until smooth. Divide the dough into two even portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
3. While the dough is chilling, preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
4. Unwrap the dough and roll each portion into a log with a diameter of about ¾ inch (2 cm). Cut ¾- to 1-inch (2 to 3 cm) slices and shape them into rounded crescents with your hands. Place on the baking sheets, leaving room for spreading.
5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool on the sheets for 5 minutes.
6. Sift the confectioners’ sugar into a shallow bowl (or whisk well in the bowl). Roll the warm cookies in the sugar until well coated, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with extra confectioners’ sugar just before serving.
PER SERVING:
Almond: 57 calories; 1 g protein; 4 g total fat; 1 g saturated fat; 5 g carbohydrates; 0 g fiber; 2 mg sodium
Hazelnut: 60 calories; 1 g protein; 4 g total fat; 1 g saturated fat; 5 g carbohydrates; 0 g fiber; 0 mg sodium
