Delicious Nutty Cookies: An Irresistible, Nutty Treat

These walnut cookies, known as “Pizzicotti alle Noci,” are a delicious combination of rich nutty flavor and light, airy texture. Made with finely ground walnuts, sugar, and egg whites, these cookies are simple yet packed with nutty goodness. The dough is rolled in powdered sugar and shaped with a charming “pinch,” giving each cookie a unique look and a slightly crisp exterior. Perfect for a cozy tea time or as a special treat, these cookies are sure to impress with their delicate flavor and beautiful appearance.

Why you'll love this:

You’ll love these pinched walnut cookies because they’re easy to make and packed with natural nutty flavor. Using ground walnuts gives the cookies a rich, nutty flavor, while the egg whites add a light, airy texture. The “pinching” technique not only makes the cookies visually appealing, but also adds a slight crunch to the edges, which contrasts beautifully with the chewy interior. Whether you’re a nut lover or just looking for a unique cookie to try, these walnut cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Perfect opportunity:

These biscuits are perfect for any occasion where you want to serve something a little different and full of flavour. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea or as a homemade gift for friends and family. Their simple elegance makes them suitable for more formal occasions, while their comforting flavour means they can be enjoyed any time you fancy a sweet and nutty treat. Serve them with a cup of coffee or tea, or enjoy them on their own as a satisfying snack.

Decorating tips:

For an extra touch of elegance, consider dusting the tops of the cookies with a little more icing sugar after they have cooled. You can also drizzle some melted dark chocolate on top for a more indulgent treat. If you are making these cookies for a special occasion, arrange them on a decorative platter and garnish with whole walnut halves. The simplicity of the cookies allows you to get creative with the presentation, making them perfect for any event.

Ingredients:

• 350 grams of walnut halves
• 150 grams of granulated sugar
• 2 egg whites
• Vanilla extract, to taste
• Powdered sugar, as needed

Instructions:

1. Prepare the walnut flour:
   • In a food processor, finely grind the walnut halves until they resemble a coarse flour. Be careful not to make them too paste-like.
2. Make the dough:
   • In a large bowl, mix the ground walnuts with the granulated sugar.
   • Lightly whisk the egg whites with a fork until slightly foamy, then add them to the nut mixture.
   • Add the vanilla extract and mix everything with a fork until you obtain a soft and homogeneous dough.
3. Shape the cookies:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • Using a spoon, take small portions of dough and roll them into balls.
   • Roll each ball out slightly, then roll it in icing sugar.
   • replaces the word nice with emptych each cookie in the middle using your thumb and index finger to create the characteristic “pinch” shape.
4. Bake the cookies:
   • Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the cookies are lightly browned. Be careful not to overbake them or they may dry out.
5. Let cool and serve:
   • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
   • Once cooled, sprinkle with additional icing sugar if desired.

Appreciate!