Meringue cookies with walnuts

Meringue and Walnut Cookies - a delicious and elegant recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 20 cookies

In the world of desserts, meringue and walnut cookies are definitely a choice that not only delights your taste buds but also adds a touch of elegance to your table. These tender cookies, with a rich walnut flavor and fluffy meringue, are perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Moreover, it is a simple recipe, ideal for any cooking enthusiast who wants to impress family and friends.

A touch of history

Meringue cookies have a long history, being part of the pastry traditions of many cultures. These sweets have evolved over time, being reinterpreted in various forms and combinations. Meringue, in particular, has deep roots in culinary art, with a light and airy texture that perfectly complements the tender cookies. These cookies are not only a delight but also an excellent way to bring together different ingredients, such as nuts and jam, in a symphony of flavors.

Ingredients needed

For the dough:
- 250 g butter or margarine (at room temperature)
- 125 g sugar (preferably fine sugar)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar or vanilla essence
- 1 egg
- 3 egg yolks
- 250 g flour
- 150 g cornstarch (Gustin)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

For decoration:
- 2 egg whites
- 50 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 150 g walnut kernels (roasted and chopped)
- A pinch of salt

For filling:
- Jam, to taste (apricot, raspberry, or berry)
- Roasted and chopped walnut kernels (optional)

Step by step preparation

1. Preparing the dough
Start by placing the butter (or margarine) in a large bowl. Make sure it is at room temperature so it mixes easily. Gradually add the sugar and vanilla sugar, mixing well until you obtain a creamy composition. It may be helpful to use an electric mixer to achieve a perfect texture.

2. Adding the eggs
Incorporate the whole egg and the egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is essential to ensure proper homogenization of the ingredients.

3. Incorporating flour and cornstarch
In another bowl, mix the flour with cornstarch and cocoa powder (for the cocoa dough part). Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter composition, continuing to mix at maximum speed. The dough should be soft but easy to shape.

4. Chilling the dough
Divide the obtained dough into two equal parts. One part will remain white, while the other will be mixed with the tablespoon of cocoa. Wrap each part in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This will help firm up the dough and make it easier to shape the cookies.

5. Shaping the cookies
After the dough has cooled, take it out of the fridge. Start with the white dough. Roll out a thick sheet of a few millimeters between two plastic sheets to prevent sticking. Use a round cutter of 4-5 cm to cut out 20 cookies. Place them on an ungreased tray and bake them in the preheated oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes, or until the edges turn slightly golden.

6. Preparing the cocoa cookies
Repeat the same procedure for the cocoa dough, but make sure to cut the center of each cookie with a smaller cutter to achieve a 'grater' effect. Bake them the same way as the white cookies.

7. Preparing the meringue
While the cookies are baking, prepare the meringue. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and vanilla sugar, continuing to mix until you obtain a firm and shiny meringue.

8. Assembling the cookies
After the cookies have completely cooled, spread meringue on each white cookie, then sprinkle chopped walnut kernels on top. Place the cocoa cookies on top to create a delicious sandwich. You can use jam mixed with roasted walnut kernels to stick the two types of cookies together.

9. Enjoy the final result
Let the cookies rest a bit so that the meringue sets. Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee, and your friends will be delighted by this combination of textures and flavors.

Variations and suggestions

- You can experiment with different types of jam, such as sour cherry or orange jam, to add a touch of freshness to your cookies.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the meringue.
- Instead of walnut kernels, you can use almonds or hazelnuts to diversify the flavors.

Nutritional benefits

These meringue and walnut cookies are not only delicious but also offer nutritional benefits. Walnuts are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, contributing to a balanced diet. Flour and cornstarch provide essential carbohydrates, offering energy throughout the day.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or almond flour, but be careful with the liquid proportions.

2. How do I keep the cookies fresh?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them tender.

3. Is it possible to freeze the cookies?
Yes, these cookies can be frozen, but it is recommended to consume them fresh to enjoy the fluffy meringue.

Meringue and walnut cookies are a dessert that brings joy and fulfillment in every bite. So, don't hesitate to try them, enjoy the cooking process, and share this delicacy with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!