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Homemade Walnut Cookies photo

Walnut Cookies

These Walnut Cookies are a delightful fusion of nutty flavors and sweet textures, perfect for any occasion!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
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.