Sift flour and baking powder together into a bowl.

Cream butter in a mixing bowl. Gradually beat in 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar until fluffy. Add egg yolk, brandy, and vanilla; beat until very light. Stir in almonds.

Gradually blend in flour mixture until a soft, smooth dough forms. Cover and chill until dough can easily be handled, about 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (170 degrees C).

Shape level tablespoonfuls of chilled dough into crescents and place 1 inch apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Insert a whole clove into the center of each crescent.

Bake in the preheated oven until golden, 25 to 30 minutes, switching racks halfway through; do not brown.

Remove from the oven and let cool on the cookie sheets.

Dust generously with confectioners’ sugar.