Crispy Walnut Butter Cookies Recipe

Walnut Butter Cookies Recipe: Crunchy Homemade Joy in Minutes

Sweet and nutty, these crispy walnut butter cookies dance with a delightful crunch that melts in your mouth.

Buttery richness mingles perfectly with toasted walnut pieces throughout each delectable bite.

Crafted with simple ingredients, these cookies promise a delightful treat that comes together effortlessly.

Each golden-brown morsel carries a rich, warm flavor that hints at comforting baking traditions.

The walnut’s earthy notes complement the smooth butter base, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this straightforward recipe.

Bake a batch and watch these irresistible cookies disappear in moments.

How To Serve Walnut Butter Cookies

  • Cozy Coffee Companion: Pair these walnut butter cookies with a steaming mug of freshly brewed coffee for a delightful afternoon treat that warms both hands and heart.
  • Elegant Dessert Platter: Arrange cookies on a beautiful serving plate with dark chocolate shavings, fresh berries, and a dollop of whipped cream for an impressive after-dinner presentation.
  • Sweet Gift Packaging: Stack cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a rustic ribbon, perfect for homemade gifts or thoughtful weekend surprises for neighbors and friends.
  • Ice Cream Sandwich Twist: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies for a decadent summer dessert that elevates the humble cookie to gourmet status.

Keeping Walnut Butter Cookies Fresh Longer

  • Smart Cookie Storage: Keep your walnut butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer cookies between parchment paper sheets to prevent sticking.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap individual cookies or entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Frozen cookies maintain delicious quality for 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for quick enjoyment.
  • Portion Control Trick: Divide cookie dough into individual portions before freezing. This allows baking small batches whenever cookie cravings strike. Simply place frozen dough balls directly on baking sheet and add 2-3 extra minutes to baking time.
  • Moisture Management: Add small piece of bread inside storage container to keep cookies soft and fresh. Bread absorbs excess moisture, preventing cookies from becoming stale or hard. Replace bread slice every 2-3 days for best results.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 25

What You’ll Need For Walnut Butter Cookies

For Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creamy foundation that provides rich, mellow flavor and tender texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps cookies achieve crisp, golden edges.
  • Brown Sugar: Brings deep caramel notes and keeps cookies soft and chewy.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients, creates structure, and adds moisture to the cookie dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, comforting aromatic undertones.
For Dry Mixture:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides essential structure and creates classic cookie consistency.
  • Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and develop light, delicate crumb.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavor profiles.
For Mix-In:
  • Walnuts: Delivers nutty crunch, earthy richness, and delightful texture contrast to soft cookies.
  • Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining wet ingredients and mixing dough.
  • Separate Small Bowl: Used for whisking dry ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Needed for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Baking Sheets: For baking cookies evenly.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Helps cookies cool down and crisp up after baking.
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and folding ingredients.
  • Cookie Scoop or Spoon: Helps create uniform cookie sizes.

Baking Steps For Walnut Butter Cookies

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

  • Whip the Butter Base

Grab a mixing bowl and beat the butter with both sugars until they transform into a fluffy, creamy dream that looks light as a cloud.

  • Bring in the Wet Magic

Crack in the egg and splash of vanilla, mixing until everything blends into a smooth, inviting mixture.

  • Marry the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold these dry ingredients into your buttery base.

  • Welcome the Walnuts

Toss in those crunchy chopped walnuts, stirring until they’re evenly scattered throughout the dough.

  • Shape and Prepare

Roll the dough into bite-sized balls, placing them on the baking sheet with some breathing room. Give each a gentle press to create a classic cookie shape.

  • Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown while keeping a soft center.

  • Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Dust with a sprinkle of powdered sugar if you’re feeling extra fancy.

Tips & Variations For Walnut Butter Cookies

  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for 2-3 months. Chilled dough helps prevent spreading and intensifies flavor.
  • Nut-Free Option: Swap walnuts with sunflower seeds or rolled oats for allergy-friendly alternatives that maintain similar texture and crunch.
  • Gluten-Free Swap: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour to create celiac-friendly cookies without compromising taste.
  • Flavor Boosters: Add warm spices like cinnamon or cardamom to enhance the nutty profile. Dark chocolate drizzle or sea salt sprinkle can elevate the cookie's complexity.
  • Low-Sugar Twist: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, ensuring a healthier version that still delivers delightful sweetness.
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Crispy Walnut Butter Cookies Recipe

Crispy Walnut Butter Cookies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 25 1x

Description

Classic walnut butter cookies embody homemade comfort from European baking traditions. Rich nutty notes and delicate crumb invite sweet moments of simple pleasure you’ll savor completely.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (100 g) chopped walnuts
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (110 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat Preparation: Elevate oven temperature to 350F (175C) and strategically line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure optimal cookie performance and effortless release.
  2. Creaming Foundation: Whip butter and sugars in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a light, voluminous cream, creating a silky smooth base that promises delectable texture.
  3. Moisture Integration: Seamlessly blend egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, establishing a rich, harmonious foundation that will infuse depth and moisture throughout the dough.
  4. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Meticulously combine flour, baking powder, and salt, crafting a delicate dry mixture that will provide structural integrity and balanced flavor to the cookies.
  5. Dough Consolidation: Delicately merge dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stirring until just incorporated to preserve the dough’s tender consistency and prevent potential toughness.
  6. Nutty Embellishment: Gently fold chopped walnuts throughout the dough, ensuring an even distribution that promises a delightful crunch in every bite.
  7. Shaping and Positioning: Craft compact dough spheres approximately one inch in diameter, strategically placing them on prepared baking surfaces with ample spacing to accommodate gentle expansion during baking.
  8. Baking Transformation: Softly flatten each dough ball to create a uniform profile, then transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, vigilantly monitoring for golden edges while maintaining a soft, yielding center.
  9. Cooling and Finishing: Allow cookies to rest briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. Optionally dust with powdered sugar for an elegant, refined presentation.

Notes

  • Prevent Dough Overworking: Mix ingredients just until combined to maintain a soft, tender cookie texture without developing tough gluten strands.
  • Control Walnut Distribution: Chop walnuts uniformly and fold gently to ensure even nutty crunch throughout each cookie.
  • Optimize Baking Performance: Space cookies about 2 inches apart to allow proper spreading and prevent them from merging during baking.
  • Temperature Precision: Remove cookies when edges turn golden but centers remain slightly soft for the perfect balance of crisp exterior and chewy interior.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 25
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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