During the festive season, there’s something truly special about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. The warmth and coziness that come with holiday baking make it a cherished tradition for many families. Today, we bring you a delightful recipe all the way from the charming kitchens of Austria. Nusstaler Nut Cookies, crisp and rich with the flavor of toasted nuts, are a perfect treat to enjoy on wintry days with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or a fragrant spiced tea.
Nusstaler Nut Cookies
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of finely chopped walnuts
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped walnuts, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
3. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the butter-sugar mixture and mix well.
5. Gradually fold in the toasted walnuts and flour, stirring until a dough forms. If the dough seems too crumbly, you can gently knead it with your hands to bring it together.
6. Shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
7. Gently press down on each dough ball with the back of a fork to flatten slightly and create a crisscross pattern on top.
8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown.
9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cookies are completely cooled, dust them with confectioners’ sugar for a snowy finish.
These Nusstaler Nut Cookies are a wonderful addition to any holiday gathering or as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family. Their nutty crunch and buttery sweetness are sure to delight your taste buds and create a cozy atmosphere in your home during the festive season. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and let the baking magic begin! Enjoy the process of creating these delectable treats and savor every bite of these Austrian delights. Cheers to sweet moments shared around the table with loved ones!