Walnut Butter Cookies

Walnut Butter Cookies are rich, nutty, and delightfully crisp with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Packed with buttery flavor and crunchy walnut pieces, these cookies are a timeless treat perfect for holiday baking, tea time, or everyday snacking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Buttery and crisp with a tender bite
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Delicious balance of sweet and nutty
• Great for gifting, freezing, or cookie swaps
• No chill time required—just mix, shape, and bake

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Chopped walnuts
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Stir in chopped walnuts.
6. Scoop dough by tablespoonfuls and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
7. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Optional: Dust cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 12 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Walnut: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a nutty chocolate twist.
• Maple Walnut: Add ½ teaspoon maple extract for a warm, cozy flavor.
• Espresso Walnut: Mix in 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder for a coffeehouse-style treat.
• Cinnamon Spice: Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon for a warm spice flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies gluten-free.

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 months.
No reheating is necessary, but cookies can be warmed for a few seconds in the microwave if desired.

FAQs

Can I toast the walnuts before adding them?

Yes, toasting enhances their flavor—just bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until fragrant.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No, this dough bakes well without chilling, saving you time.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze the dough balls and bake from frozen.

What kind of walnuts should I use?

Chopped English walnuts work best. You can also use black walnuts for a stronger flavor.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Make sure the butter isn’t too soft and don’t overmix the dough.

Can I substitute other nuts?

Yes, pecans or almonds can be used in place of walnuts.

Are these cookies soft or crispy?

They’re buttery with crisp edges and a tender, slightly crumbly center.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just bake in batches and rotate pans for even baking.

Are walnut butter cookies good for mailing?

Yes, they hold up well and make a great addition to care packages or cookie tins.

Conclusion

Walnut Butter Cookies are a deliciously simple treat that delivers classic flavor and comforting texture in every bite. Whether you enjoy them with tea, gift them during the holidays, or bake a batch just because, these nutty, buttery cookies are sure to become a household favorite.

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