Nut-filled cookies - a delicacy that will delight any sweet tooth! These tender cookies, with a rich walnut filling, are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a party, a celebration, or simply a sweet snack in the middle of the day. Plus, the recipe is simple and can be easily adapted, so let's start our culinary adventure!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 240 g of butter (at room temperature for easy incorporation)
- 125 g sour cream (choose a full-fat sour cream for a richer taste)
- 4 egg yolks (fresh, preferably from free-range chickens)
- 3 cups of flour (approximately 360 g)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- ½ packet of baking powder (helps the cookies rise)
- ½ teaspoon of salt (to balance the sweetness)
For the filling:
- 1 cup of sugar (approximately 200 g)
- 1 ½ cups of milk (approximately 375 ml, preferably whole)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon (for a warm, aromatic flavor)
- 6 cups of finely chopped walnuts (approximately 600 g)
- ½ cup of cookie crumbs (to thicken the filling)
For the date filling (optional):
- 400 g of date paste (you can use pitted dates, finely chopped)
- 1 cup of finely chopped walnuts (approximately 100 g)
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the dough
1. In a large bowl, add the soft butter, sour cream, sugar, and egg yolks. Use a mixer to blend until you achieve a smooth, creamy mixture.
2. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
3. Once the dough is formed, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step is essential as it helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle.
Step 2: Prepare the filling
1. In a saucepan, add the milk, sugar, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar.
2. Once the mixture starts to boil, add half of the chopped walnuts and the cookie crumbs, continuing to stir for one minute.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and add the remaining chopped walnuts and cookie crumbs. Mix well, then let the filling cool for one hour.
Step 3: Shape the cookies
1. After the dough has chilled, divide it into 3 equal parts. Roll out each piece on a floured surface until you achieve sheets about 3 mm thick.
2. Cut each sheet into two long strips, then into triangles.
3. On each triangle, add a heaping teaspoon of filling. Roll the triangle to form a crescent shape, ensuring the filling is well sealed inside.
Step 4: Bake
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the crescent cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them.
2. Bake the cookies for 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown. You'll smell the delicious aroma of walnuts and cinnamon filling your kitchen!
3. After baking, let the cookies cool for a few minutes, then dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Serving suggestions
These nut-filled cookies are excellent alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve them as a dessert after a hearty meal or package them nicely as gifts. If you prefer a more exotic variation, try filling them with dates and walnuts for a different flavor.
Variations
If you want to experiment, you can try adding flavors like vanilla or almond to the dough. Additionally, instead of walnuts, you can use pistachios or hazelnuts for a different taste and texture. Another delicious option is to add some raisins to the filling for a pleasant contrast.
Nutritional benefits
These cookies are rich in walnuts, which are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins. Walnuts are known for their heart health benefits and contribute to maintaining healthy skin.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of nuts, such as hazelnuts or pistachios.
2. How can I store the cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them.
3. Can I substitute the sour cream?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a lighter version.
Conclusion
Nut-filled cookies are an excellent choice for any occasion. With a tender dough and a delicious filling, they are sure to quickly become a family favorite. So, don't hesitate to make them and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 240 g of butter (at room temperature for easy incorporation)
- 125 g sour cream (choose a full-fat sour cream for a richer taste)
- 4 egg yolks (fresh, preferably from free-range chickens)
- 3 cups of flour (approximately 360 g)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- ½ packet of baking powder (helps the cookies rise)
- ½ teaspoon of salt (to balance the sweetness)
For the filling:
- 1 cup of sugar (approximately 200 g)
- 1 ½ cups of milk (approximately 375 ml, preferably whole)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon (for a warm, aromatic flavor)
- 6 cups of finely chopped walnuts (approximately 600 g)
- ½ cup of cookie crumbs (to thicken the filling)
For the date filling (optional):
- 400 g of date paste (you can use pitted dates, finely chopped)
- 1 cup of finely chopped walnuts (approximately 100 g)
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the dough
1. In a large bowl, add the soft butter, sour cream, sugar, and egg yolks. Use a mixer to blend until you achieve a smooth, creamy mixture.
2. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
3. Once the dough is formed, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step is essential as it helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle.
Step 2: Prepare the filling
1. In a saucepan, add the milk, sugar, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar.
2. Once the mixture starts to boil, add half of the chopped walnuts and the cookie crumbs, continuing to stir for one minute.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and add the remaining chopped walnuts and cookie crumbs. Mix well, then let the filling cool for one hour.
Step 3: Shape the cookies
1. After the dough has chilled, divide it into 3 equal parts. Roll out each piece on a floured surface until you achieve sheets about 3 mm thick.
2. Cut each sheet into two long strips, then into triangles.
3. On each triangle, add a heaping teaspoon of filling. Roll the triangle to form a crescent shape, ensuring the filling is well sealed inside.
Step 4: Bake
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the crescent cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them.
2. Bake the cookies for 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown. You'll smell the delicious aroma of walnuts and cinnamon filling your kitchen!
3. After baking, let the cookies cool for a few minutes, then dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Serving suggestions
These nut-filled cookies are excellent alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve them as a dessert after a hearty meal or package them nicely as gifts. If you prefer a more exotic variation, try filling them with dates and walnuts for a different flavor.
Variations
If you want to experiment, you can try adding flavors like vanilla or almond to the dough. Additionally, instead of walnuts, you can use pistachios or hazelnuts for a different taste and texture. Another delicious option is to add some raisins to the filling for a pleasant contrast.
Nutritional benefits
These cookies are rich in walnuts, which are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins. Walnuts are known for their heart health benefits and contribute to maintaining healthy skin.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of nuts, such as hazelnuts or pistachios.
2. How can I store the cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them.
3. Can I substitute the sour cream?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a lighter version.
Conclusion
Nut-filled cookies are an excellent choice for any occasion. With a tender dough and a delicious filling, they are sure to quickly become a family favorite. So, don't hesitate to make them and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!