Walnut Croissants

Tender Walnut Cookies with Lemon Flavor

Who can resist a freshly baked cookie, with a delicate texture and an inviting aroma? These delicious walnut and lemon cookies are perfect for enjoying alongside a cup of milk, a fragrant tea, or a revitalizing coffee. Whether you're preparing them for a special occasion or just want to indulge during a quiet afternoon, this recipe is sure to delight you. Thanks to Cristina from "Diva in the Kitchen" for the inspiration! Let's start our kitchen adventure!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: approximately 30 cookies

Ingredients:
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 120 g powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk + 1 whole egg
- 140 g ground walnuts
- 360 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla powdered sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Make sure the butter is at room temperature, as it will mix more easily. If you forgot to take it out of the fridge, don’t worry! You can cut it into small cubes and let it soften for 10-15 minutes.

2. Mixing the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter with the egg yolk, whole egg, and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer or a spatula to mix the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy paste. This is when the sugar will dissolve and give an airy texture to the mixture.

3. Incorporate the dry ingredients: Add the ground walnuts, baking powder, flour, vanilla powdered sugar, and lemon zest. Use your hands to mix the ingredients well until you obtain a non-sticky dough. If the dough is too soft, add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as the cookies may become hard.

4. Chilling the dough: Form a ball from the dough and wrap it in plastic wrap. Leave the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up a bit. This step is essential for achieving tender and easy-to-shape cookies.

5. Preheating the oven: Before taking the dough out of the fridge, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a baking tray by greasing it with butter and covering it with parchment paper. This will help the cookies not stick and bake evenly.

6. Shaping the cookies: Remove the dough from the fridge and break off pieces the size of a walnut. Shape each piece into crescent or horseshoe forms, according to your preference. Place them on the prepared tray, leaving spaces between them to allow for expansion during baking.

7. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes or until they turn lightly golden. Don’t leave them too long, as we want to keep that delicate and delicious texture.

8. Finishing: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly on the tray. Then, carefully roll them in powdered sugar so that they are evenly coated. This step is essential for adding a touch of sweetness and an appealing presentation.

9. Serving: These cookies are perfect to be served alongside a cup of warm milk, tea, or coffee. You can store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for a few days. They also make great gifts when packaged beautifully, making them ideal for holidays or special occasions.

Helpful tips:
- You can substitute walnuts with hazelnuts or ground almonds to vary the flavor of the cookies.
- If you want a hint of chocolate, add some dark or milk chocolate chips to the mixture.
- You can add a few drops of vanilla or almond extract for an extra burst of flavor.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
These cookies contain approximately 60 calories each (depending on their size) and are a good source of healthy fats from the walnuts. Walnuts are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet. When consumed in moderation, these cookies can be a delicious part of a healthy lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but the taste and texture will be different. Butter provides a richer flavor and a more pleasant texture.

2. How can I store the cookies?
Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week.

3. Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked cookies. Shape the crescents and place them on a tray in the freezer. Once they are firm, you can put them in a freezer-safe container. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

These tender walnut cookies with lemon flavor are not just a sweet treat but also a way to bring joy to your loved ones. Try them and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!