Desserts - Cakes & Pastries

French Walnut Cookies

Name: French Walnut Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup (226g), softened Unsalted butter; 3 4 cup (150g) Granulated sugar; 1 Large egg; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 2.25 cups (270g) All-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon Baking powder; 0.5 teaspoon Salt; 1 cup (120g) Chopped walnuts

30 min12 servingsEasy350 cal

These delightful French Walnut Cookies, or "Cookies aux noix," are a simple yet elegant treat, featuring a buttery shortbread-like base studded with crunchy walnuts. Perfect with coffee or as a light dessert, they offer a delicate texture and rich nutty flavor. While the term "cookie" is English, France boasts a rich tradition of small biscuits and "sablés," often showcasing regional ingredients. These walnut cookies draw inspiration from this tradition, particularly from regions known for their walnut production like Périgord, offering a refined, less sweet take on the classic American cookie. They are a beloved accompaniment to afternoon tea or coffee in many French homes.

French dessertBakingwalnutpatisseriecookie

Instructions

1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
5
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6
Fold in the chopped walnuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
9
Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Chef's Tips

•Storage: Store French Walnut Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
•Substitutions: For a different flavor profile, substitute pecans or hazelnuts for walnuts. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can also be added to the dry ingredients for warmth.
•Fun Fact: Walnuts are one of the oldest tree foods known to man, with archaeological evidence suggesting they have been consumed for over 8,000 years!
•Enhancement: To intensify the nutty flavor, lightly toast the chopped walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the dough. Let them cool completely before mixing.