Walnut Cookies

There’s something truly magical about the combination of rich, nutty flavors and sweet, comforting textures that Walnut Cookies deliver. These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a well-deserved snack. Each bite is a little adventure, offering the crunchiness of walnuts paired with the smoothness of Nutella, all wrapped in a soft, buttery cookie. Let’s dive into how you can create these irresistible bites in your own kitchen!

Why It Deserves a Spot

Walnut Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they embody the warmth of home baking. The combination of walnuts and a hint of lemon creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Not only are they delicious, but they are also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them as an afternoon snack, a dessert after dinner, or even as a gift to share with friends and family. With their unique flavor profile and delightful texture, these cookies are sure to impress everyone around the table!

The Ingredient Lineup

To create these scrumptious Walnut Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1 envelope vanilla sugar)
• Juice and zest from 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup milk (I used 2%)
• 2 cups walnuts, ground fine
• 1/2 cup Nutella
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons rum extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• Icing sugar for dusting, optional

Gear Up: What to Grab

Before you get started, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• Mixing bowls: You’ll need a couple for combining ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key in baking!
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For mixing your dough.
• Baking sheet: A good quality one will ensure even baking.
• Parchment paper: Optional, but it helps prevent sticking.
• Cooling rack: Essential for letting your cookies cool properly.

Method: Walnut Cookies

Creating these Walnut Cookies is a straightforward process, perfect for bakers of all levels. Follow these steps to get your cookies ready:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside as you work on the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and sugar together using a wooden spoon or an electric mixer. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Egg Yolks and Flavorings

Once your butter and sugar are well combined, add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until everything is well incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 6: Fold in the Walnuts

Gently fold in the ground walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough. This will give your cookies that delightful crunch.

Step 7: Prepare the Dough for Baking

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand.

Step 8: Add Nutella and Cocoa Mixture

In a small bowl, mix the Nutella, cocoa powder, sugar, rum extract, and milk until smooth. Use a spoon to create a small indentation in the center of each cookie and fill it with the Nutella mixture.

Step 9: Bake

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look a little soft, but they will firm up as they cool.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. If desired, dust with icing sugar before serving.

In-Season Flavor Ideas

These Walnut Cookies are fantastic on their own, but you can enhance them with seasonal flavors. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Add pumpkin spice for a cozy fall twist.
• Incorporate chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
• Mix in dried cranberries for a tart contrast.
• Use orange zest instead of lemon for a citrusy kick.

Mistakes That Ruin Walnut Cookies

Baking is both an art and a science. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when making Walnut Cookies:

• Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to poor results.
• Overmixing the dough can make cookies tough instead of tender.
• Skipping the cooling step can result in cookies that fall apart.
• Not preheating the oven can cause uneven baking.

How to Store & Reheat

To keep your Walnut Cookies fresh and delicious, consider the following storage tips:

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• If you want to keep them longer, freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
• To reheat, place cookies in a warm oven for about 5 minutes before serving.

Quick Q&A

Can I use different nuts instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds can be great substitutes if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.

What if I don’t have rum extract?

You can simply omit it or substitute with additional vanilla extract for a different, but still delicious flavor.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use flax eggs in place of the egg yolks.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers will look slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.

That’s a Wrap

There you have it! A step-by-step guide to making the most delightful Walnut Cookies that will surely become a favorite in your home. With their rich flavor, delightful texture, and the indulgent surprise of Nutella, these cookies are a treat worth making. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea, share them with friends, or simply indulge in a sweet moment for yourself, these Walnut Cookies are sure to bring joy to your day. Happy baking!

Walnut Cookies

These Walnut Cookies are a delightful fusion of nutty flavors and sweet textures, perfect for any occasion!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 24 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 9 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 envelope vanilla sugar
• Juice and zest from 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup milk (I used 2%)
• 2 cups walnuts ground fine
• 1/2 cup Nutella
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons rum extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• Icing sugar for dusting, optional

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Method

 

1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven

   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
2. Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside as you work on the wet ingredients.
3. Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

   In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and sugar together using a wooden spoon or an electric mixer. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the Egg Yolks and Flavorings

   Once your butter and sugar are well combined, add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
5. Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

   Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Step 6: Fold in the Walnuts

   Gently fold in the ground walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough. This will give your cookies that delightful crunch.
7. Step 7: Prepare the Dough for Baking

   Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand.
8. Step 8: Add Nutella and Cocoa Mixture

   In a small bowl, mix the Nutella, cocoa powder, sugar, rum extract, and milk until smooth. Use a spoon to create a small indentation in the center of each cookie and fill it with the Nutella mixture.
9. Step 9: Bake

   Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look a little soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
10. Step 10: Cool and Serve

    Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. If desired, dust with icing sugar before serving.

Notes

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• If you want to keep them longer, freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
• To reheat, place cookies in a warm oven for about 5 minutes before serving.