These German walnut shortbread cookies are a delightful treat with a perfect balance of buttery goodness and crunchy walnuts. They're ideal for holiday gatherings or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea.
If any of these ingredients are not commonly found in your home, such as walnuts, make sure to check the baking aisle for chopped or whole walnuts. Ensure you have unsalted butter on hand for the right texture and flavor, rather than using salted butter.
Ingredients for German Walnut Shortbread Cookies
Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the cookies.
Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and a fine texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
Flour: The main structure for the cookies, giving them their shape and texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
Walnuts: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Sugar: Used for coating the cookies before baking, adding a sweet, crispy exterior.
One reader, Brina Hamrick says:
These German walnut shortbread cookies are delightful! The buttery texture and nutty flavor blend perfectly. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, they were a hit at my family gathering. Highly recommend!
Key Techniques for Making German Walnut Shortbread Cookies
Yes.
How to cream butter and sugar: Creaming butter and sugar involves mixing them together until they become light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the mixture, which helps to create a tender texture in the cookies.
How to chop walnuts: Chopping walnuts involves using a knife to cut the nuts into smaller pieces. This ensures that the nuts are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
How to shape dough into logs: Shaping dough into logs involves forming the dough into cylindrical shapes using your hands and plastic wrap. This helps to create uniform cookies when sliced.
How to slice cookie dough: Slicing cookie dough involves cutting the chilled dough logs into even slices. This ensures that the cookies bake evenly.
How to dip cookie dough in sugar: Dipping cookie dough in sugar involves pressing the sliced dough into sugar to coat the edges. This adds a sweet, crunchy texture to the cookies.
How To Make German Walnut Shortbread Cookies
These walnut shortbread cookies are a traditional German yuletide treat. The shortbread-style cookies are baked with walnut chunks.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupunsalted butter,cold
- 1cuppowdered sugar
- 1tspvanilla extract
- 2cupsflour
- ½tspsalt
- 1cupwalnuts,coarsely chopped
- 1cupsugar
Instructions
-
Add the butter and powdered sugar and vanilla to a stand mixer on low speed for 20 seconds then move to high speed for 1 minute until light and fluffy.
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Add in the flour and salt on low speed until just combined, then add in the walnuts until just combined.
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Remove the dough, dividing it onto 2 large pieces of plastic wrap, and wrap into 2 large logs. Refrigerate them for at least 2 hours or until completely chilled.
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and unroll the cookie dough, slicing into ½” thick cookie dough slices then dip into sugar and bake on baking sheet for 10 to 12 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 106.02kcal
- Fat: 5.26g
- Saturated Fat: 3.26g
- Trans Fat: 0.21g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.34g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.27g
- Carbohydrates: 14.21g
- Fiber: 0.19g
- Sugar: 8.84g
- Protein: 0.79g
- Cholesterol: 13.56mg
- Sodium: 33.27mg
- Calcium: 2.79mg
- Potassium: 9.79mg
- Iron: 0.09mg
- Vitamin A: 43.13µg
- Vitamin C: 0.00mg
Crucial Technique Tip for German Walnut Shortbread Cookies Recipe
To ensure your walnut shortbread cookies have a uniform shape and bake evenly, roll the dough logs on a flat surface to smooth out any irregularities before refrigerating. This will help maintain a consistent thickness when slicing into cookie dough pieces.
Time-Saving Tips for German Walnut Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Soften the butter quickly: Cut the butter into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for faster softening.
Use a food processor: Chop the walnuts in a food processor to save time and ensure even pieces.
Chill dough faster: Place the wrapped cookie dough logs in the freezer for 30 minutes instead of refrigerating for 2 hours.
Slice evenly: Use a sharp knife or a dough slicer to cut uniform cookie dough slices for even baking.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure all ingredients before starting to streamline the mixing process.
Substitute Ingredients For German Walnut Shortbread Cookies Recipe
unsalted butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can provide a similar texture and moisture content.
powdered sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar: Blend granulated sugar in a food processor until it reaches a powdery consistency.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor profile.
flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: A gluten-free blend can be used for those with gluten sensitivities.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different mineral content and flavor.
walnuts - Substitute with pecans: Pecans have a similar texture and flavor profile to walnuts.
sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and a caramel-like flavor.
Presentation Ideas for German Walnut Shortbread Cookies
Serve smaller portion sizes: Slice the cookie dough into delicate, bite-sized pieces to create an elegant presentation. This allows each cookie to be savored individually.
Use decoration: Garnish each cookie with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a small piece of walnut on top for a refined look.
Plate with contrast: Arrange the cookies on a dark-colored plate to make the golden-brown hue of the shortbread stand out, enhancing visual appeal.
Add a sauce: Drizzle a thin line of dark chocolate ganache or caramel sauce on the plate to complement the walnut flavor and add a touch of sophistication.
Use fresh elements: Place a few fresh mint leaves or berries around the cookies to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Create height: Stack a few cookies in a pyramid shape to add dimension and interest to the plate.
Incorporate texture: Sprinkle some finely chopped walnuts around the plate to add a crunchy texture contrast to the soft shortbread.
Serve with a beverage: Pair the cookies with a small glass of espresso or a shot of hazelnut liqueur to enhance the overall dining experience.
Storing and Freezing German Walnut Shortbread Cookies
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- To keep the cookies fresh for longer, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. The bread will absorb any excess moisture and keep the cookies crisp.
- For even longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag for up to 3 months.
- To freeze the cookie dough, wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking as directed in the recipe.
- If you have already sliced the cookies before freezing, you can bake them directly from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- To maintain the best texture, avoid refreezing previously frozen cookies or dough.
Interesting Fact About German Walnut Shortbread Cookies
A random fact about this recipe is that shortbread cookies are traditionally Scottish, but the addition of walnuts gives them a unique German twist, combining the buttery texture of shortbread with the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts.
Is Making German Walnut Shortbread Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?
This German walnut shortbread cookies recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, flour, salt, and walnuts are relatively affordable and often found in most pantries. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$12 USD. Considering the delightful taste and the number of cookies produced, this recipe scores a solid 8 out of 10 in terms of cost-effectiveness.
Are German Walnut Shortbread Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?
The German walnut shortbread cookie recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe is high in saturated fat due to the significant amount of butter used. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
- The recipe contains a substantial amount of sugar, both in the dough and the coating. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and other health problems.
- The recipe is low in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, as it primarily consists of refined flour, butter, and sugar.
- The walnuts provide some healthy fats and nutrients, but they are not enough to counterbalance the less healthy ingredients.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace half of the butter with a healthier alternative, such as coconut oil or Greek yogurt, to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Use whole wheat flour instead of refined flour to increase the fiber content and provide additional nutrients.
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the dough and consider using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of powdered sugar.
- Increase the amount of walnuts or add other healthy ingredients, such as rolled oats or dried fruit, to boost the nutrient content and provide more texture.
- Experiment with different spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive sugar.
Editor's Opinion on German Walnut Shortbread Cookies
This German walnut shortbread cookie recipe is a delightful blend of rich, buttery flavor and nutty crunch. The use of powdered sugar ensures a tender crumb, while the walnuts add a satisfying texture. Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the perfect slice-and-bake consistency. Dipping the cookies in sugar before baking adds a lovely, sweet crust. However, consider toasting the walnuts beforehand to enhance their flavor. Overall, this recipe is straightforward and yields delicious, elegant cookies perfect for any occasion.
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Why trust this German Walnut Shortbread Cookies Recipe:
This recipe combines the rich, buttery flavor of shortbread with the nutty crunch of walnuts, creating a delightful treat. The use of powdered sugar ensures a delicate sweetness, while the vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic touch. Chilling the dough enhances the texture, making these cookies perfectly crisp. Trust this recipe for its simple, high-quality ingredients and straightforward instructions, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.
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