Name: Walnut Butter Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup finely chopped walnuts

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Few cookies evoke comfort and pure delight quite like Walnut Butter Cookies. Each bite is a tantalizing play between crumbly, melt-in-the-mouth butteriness and sweet, nutty richness, thanks to a generous helping of finely chopped walnuts. These cookies are simple enough for an afternoon baking session, yet elegant enough to impress on any holiday platter. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or sneaking one (or two!) for yourself with a cup of tea, Walnut Butter Cookies are a classic treat you’ll find yourself craving time and again.

Walnut Butter Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Walnut Butter Cookies lies in their modest, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table, building irresistible flavor and texture in every golden morsel. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

Unsalted butter: The star of the show, providing that soft, tender crumb and rich flavor. Make sure it’s properly softened for easy mixing!
Granulated sugar: Gives structure and balanced sweetness, helping the edges crisp up beautifully.
Packed brown sugar: Adds a caramel note and chewy warmth, an unbeatable match with walnuts.
Large egg: Binds the dough and adds just the right amount of moisture for a supple cookie.
Vanilla extract: Deepens flavor with subtle floral notes, making these cookies smell just heavenly as they bake.
All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy, tender base for the cookies to hold together without heaviness.
Baking soda: A touch goes a long way, ensuring a gentle lift and light texture.
Salt: Intensifies the sweet and nutty flavors – don’t skip it!
Finely chopped walnuts: Add crunch, earthy flavor, and plenty of visual appeal. For deeper flavor, consider lightly toasting them first.

How to Make Walnut Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Equipment

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. This step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your cookies lift easily off the tray with perfectly golden bottoms.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. With a handheld mixer or stand mixer, beat them together for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is pale, creamy, and fluffy. This not only blends them thoroughly but helps create a cookie that’s tender and light.

Step 3: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix at this stage – you want everything blended but not whipped, ensuring a perfectly textured cookie dough.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps distribute the baking soda and salt evenly, so there are no surprises in any bite!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The dough will look slightly soft but should hold together when pressed. Be gentle here – a light hand keeps Walnut Butter Cookies tender.

Step 6: Add the Walnuts

Fold in the finely chopped walnuts. If you’ve taken the extra step of toasting them, you’ll notice their warm nutty aroma blooming against the buttery dough. Stir just until evenly distributed throughout.

Step 7: Shape and Flatten Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized dollops of dough, rolling each into a ball with your hands. Place them onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart so there’s room for spreading. Gently flatten each ball with your palm or the bottom of a glass for an even bake.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. The centers may still look soft, but trust the process – they’ll firm up as they cool. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long!).

How to Serve Walnut Butter Cookies

Garnishes

For an elegant touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar over your Walnut Butter Cookies. If you’re feeling extra creative, drizzle them with a thin ribbon of melted dark chocolate or a swirl of caramel for a real showstopper.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a steaming mug of coffee, a tall glass of cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a mature twist, try them alongside an after-dinner espresso or a small pour of dessert wine.

Creative Ways to Present

Gift your Walnut Butter Cookies in a pretty tin with parchment between layers, or stack them and tie with rustic twine for charming, homemade edible gifts. For a festive look, arrange them on a tray with fresh berries and whole walnuts sprinkled around the plate for a pop of color and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Walnut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay deliciously tender, and storing with a slice of bread inside the container can help maintain their soft texture.

Freezing

These cookies are fantastic for freezing! Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months – just thaw at room temperature whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

If you love the taste of warm, freshly baked cookies, simply pop a Walnut Butter Cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. This brings back that just-out-of-the-oven softness and makes the nuts extra fragrant.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

You can! If you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the recipe to a pinch. It’s a quick adjustment and your Walnut Butter Cookies will still turn out delicious.

How finely should I chop the walnuts?

Chop walnuts until they’re about the size of small peas. Finely chopped nuts blend well into the dough and distribute their flavor evenly, but if you prefer bigger chunks for more crunch, feel free to leave them a bit larger.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Chilling isn’t strictly necessary with this recipe, but if you want a thicker cookie with less spread, you can pop the dough in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before baking. It’s a handy trick for warmer climates, too.

How do I toast the walnuts for extra flavor?

Just spread the chopped walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5-8 minutes, stirring once or twice. Let them cool before folding into your dough – you’ll really notice the deeper, nuttier taste!

Are Walnut Butter Cookies suitable for gifting?

Absolutely! Their sturdy, buttery texture makes them ideal for packaging and gifting, whether it’s for holidays, birthdays, or just a special thank-you. Place them in tins or cellophane bags and add a personal note for an extra-sweet gesture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a treat that’s buttery, nutty, and easy to share, it’s time to try Walnut Butter Cookies. Every batch will fill your kitchen with a toasty aroma and your heart with homemade joy. Gather your ingredients and let the baking begin – these cookies are bound to become a cherished favorite!

Walnut Butter Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Walnut Butter Cookies are a delightful treat with a rich, nutty flavor and a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for any occasion, these easy-to-make cookies are sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup finely chopped walnuts

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
Include walnuts: Fold in the chopped walnuts.
Shape and bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, place on baking sheets, flatten slightly, and bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
Cool and enjoy: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.