Name: Easy Walnut Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-484746H43M7S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Dough: 3½ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup white sugar; ¾ cup brown sugar; 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 2 eggs (or substitute with 2 yolks for extra richness); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 cups ground walnuts; Optional Additions: ½ cup Nutella for a surprise filling; ⅔ cup milk for added softness; 2 tablespoons rum extract for flavor depth; 3 tablespoons cocoa powder for chocolate walnut cookies; ½ cup milk chocolate chips for a sweet touch; Icing sugar for dusting

Jump to Recipe

Ever wondered why homemade walnut cookies are so tasty? It’s the mix of rich buttery flavors and the crunch of nuts. Making easy walnut cookies is a treat that also brings joy from baking from scratch.

In this article, we’ll look at a simple walnut cookie recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re new to baking or experienced, these chewy cookies with crispy edges will delight everyone. Let’s dive into making these homemade walnut cookies a favorite in your kitchen!

Key Takeaways

Recommended baking time: 35 minutes for perfect cookies.
Store your walnut cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezing option: both baked and unbaked cookies can last for at least a month in the freezer.
Yields 12 large cookies with a chewy center and crispy edges.
Variations with different nuts can enhance flavor and texture!

Introduction to Homemade Walnut Cookies

Homemade walnut cookies add warmth and nostalgia to any kitchen. With a few simple ingredients, you can make these tasty treats. They’re great for sharing with family and friends, often enjoyed during Christmas or Easter.

The walnuts are the secret to their delicious taste. Fresh, high-quality walnuts add a rich crunch and flavor. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have about 44 cookies ready to share.

Getting the right texture is key. Mix the dough just until it’s combined to avoid tough cookies. Bake them at 180°C (356°F) for a golden brown color. Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to five days for a quick snack.

Ingredients for Easy Walnut Cookies

Making easy walnut cookies starts with the right ingredients. The basic ingredients create a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Make sure you have these staples before you start baking.

Basic Ingredients Needed

all-purpose flour
white sugar
brown sugar
unsalted butter, softened
eggs
vanilla extract
baking soda
kosher salt
ground fine walnuts

Exploring walnut cookie ideas can make your baking more exciting. Adding different flavors or textures can make your cookies unique. Let’s look at some optional ingredients that can change your basic recipe.

Optional Ingredients for Variations

Nutella for a rich surprise filling
milk for softness
rum extract to enhance flavor
cocoa powder for chocolate walnut cookies
milk chocolate chips for a delightful addition
icing sugar for presentation

By mixing and matching these optional ingredients, you can create unique variations. Chocolate walnut cookies add a special touch to this classic treat. They’re perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself!

Gingerbread cookies and walnut cookies in a jar on a white table, creating a cozy holiday treat display.

Preparation Steps for Walnut Cookies

Let’s dive into the exciting process of preparing walnut cookies that will leave your kitchen smelling heavenly! The method behind baking walnut cookies is all about following the steps closely to ensure a delightful outcome.

Mixing the Dough

The first step involves blending the ingredients to create a scrumptious dough. Start by processing 2 1/2 cups of walnut halves with 1 cup of sugar until they reach a fine meal consistency. Then, add one large egg and mix until everything is well combined. This blending not only adds flavor but also contributes to the texture of your cookies.

Shaping and Baking the Cookies

After your dough is perfectly mixed, it’s time to shape the cookies. Divide the dough into quarters, forming each portion into 6-inch logs. Slice these logs into 3/4-inch segments, resulting in a total of 32 cookies ready for baking. For uniformity, aim for even, one-inch round balls if you prefer that shape!

Before placing the cookies in the oven, chill the shaped dough for two hours to ensure they hold their shape during baking. Position them 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets to allow some space for expansion. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden color. The critical factors in baking walnut cookies lie in the temperature and time, influencing their final texture and flavor.

Tips for Baking the Best Walnut Cookies

Want to make walnut cookies that wow everyone? Follow these baking tips to improve flavor, texture, and ease. You’ll be on your way to baking success.

Using the Right Flour

The flour you choose affects your cookies’ texture. For tender cookies, use cake flour instead of all-purpose. It makes your cookies light and soft.

If you like chewier cookies, mix all-purpose flour with some bread flour. This adds structure and a bit of chewiness.

Freezing and Storing Dough

Freezing walnut cookie dough saves time and effort. Shape the dough into discs or logs. Wrap them in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag.

You can freeze the dough for up to three months. To bake, just slice and bake from the freezer. No need to thaw first.

Substitutions for Nuts

Need a nut-free option? Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work great as substitutes. They add a nice crunch and flavor.

Chocolate chips are another tasty choice. They add sweetness and make your cookies delicious for everyone.

A plate of walnut cookies arranged neatly on a kitchen countertop, inviting and delicious.

For a candy-inspired dessert that’s just as decadent, check out our Decadent Butterfinger Cake Recipe. Its creamy peanut butter and chocolate layers make it an excellent complement to this red velvet cookie cake.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Enhancing your experience while serving walnut cookies is a delightful task. These cookies can be complemented by the right beverage and beautifully packaged as gifts. Let’s explore some perfect drink pairings and creative gifting ideas to elevate your walnut cookies.

Best Drinks to Enjoy with Walnut Cookies

When it comes to pairing walnut cookies with drinks, a variety of options can elevate the flavor profile of your treat:

Coffee: The nutty undertones of walnuts shine through when paired with a robust cup of coffee, like Brazilian-style roast which enhances the chocolate notes.
Earl Grey Tea: This fragrant tea complements the earthy flavors of the walnuts perfectly.
Hot Toddy: A warm and soothing choice, perfect for the colder months.
Apple Cider: This sweet and spiced drink makes for a comforting combination.
Mexican Atole: A warm and creamy beverage option that adds a unique twist to your cookie serving.

Ideas for Serving as Gifts

Gifting walnut cookies can be a heartfelt gesture. Here are some creative ideas for packaging that will impress friends and family:

Decorative Tin: Place your cookies in a beautifully designed tin to keep them fresh and visually appealing.
Cellophane Bags: Fill these with cookies and tie them with a festive ribbon for a simple yet charming presentation.
Personalized Cookie Box: Create a custom box with a note, adding a personal touch to your gifting experience.
Mini Gift Jars: Layer walnut cookies in small jars for an eye-catching and unique gift option.

Whether you’re serving walnut cookies at home or giving them as gifts, thoughtful pairings and packaging will turn your delicious treats into memorable experiences.

Walnut Cookies for Special Occasions

Walnut cookies are a favorite during holidays. Their nutty taste and sweet aroma make them ideal for special events. Bake them for Christmas, family get-togethers, or just to make someone’s day. These cookies are a highlight of the festive season.

Holiday Baking with Walnut Cookies

Get ready for the holidays by baking walnut cookies. Adding cinnamon and brown sugar makes them even more special. You can give them as gifts or share them at parties. Enjoying them with hot chocolate or spiced cider makes the holiday even better.

How to Package for Shipping

Shipping walnut cookies requires careful planning to keep them fresh. Here are some tips:

Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Use bubble wrap or tissue paper to cushion the container in the shipping box.
Include a note with serving suggestions to encourage recipients to enjoy them right after arrival.
Choose a sturdy box to prevent breakage during transit.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ll cover common questions about walnut cookies here. Knowing these answers can make baking better. We’ll talk about getting the right cookie texture, toasting walnuts, their nutrition, and keeping cookies consistent.

What makes cookies fluffy or flat?

The texture of your cookies depends on flour and sugar. Brown sugar makes cookies softer because it’s moist. To make fluffy cookies, add air to the dough and use room temperature butter.

Should you toast walnuts for cookies?

Toasting walnuts makes them taste better by releasing oils and deepening their smell. Just toast them in the oven for 7 to 10 minutes. This simple step can make your cookies taste amazing!

The calories in walnut cookies vary based on ingredients. On average, one cookie has 100 to 150 calories. This depends on flour, sugar, and nuts used. Knowing these ingredients helps you make better choices.

What is the secret to not flat cookies?

To prevent flat cookies, use the right ingredient ratio and chill the dough. Chilling stops cookies from spreading too much. Also, using high protein flour makes cookies sturdier and keeps their shape.

Conclusion

Our journey into homemade walnut cookies has ended, but the joy of baking remains. This easy recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll enjoy delicious cookies, perfect for sharing or enjoying alone.

These cookies are versatile and fun to make. You can stick to the classic recipe or try new variations. Baking is about making connections and sharing moments with loved ones.

So, get your ingredients ready and bake some today! These cookies are coated in confectioner’s sugar and baked to perfection. They’re sure to become a favorite. Let’s make memories and enjoy these delicious treats together!