Horn Walnut Cookies are a delightful and elegant treat that combines a tender, buttery pastry with a sweet, nutty filling. These cookies, shaped like little horns or crescents, are filled with a mixture of finely ground walnuts, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon, creating a delectable balance of textures and flavors. The dough is rolled thin and wrapped around the filling, then baked to golden perfection. Once out of the oven, they are dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Perfect for holiday gatherings, tea parties, or any time you want to indulge in a special homemade cookie, Horn Walnut Cookies are both visually appealing and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Walnut Filling:
- 1 cup walnuts, finely ground
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp milk
For Finishing:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Make the Walnut Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the finely ground walnuts, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Add the milk and mix until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is slightly sticky.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll and Fill the Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough into a circle, about 1/8 inch thick. Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut the circle into 8 equal wedges, like slicing a pizza. Place a small spoonful of the walnut filling at the wide end of each wedge. Starting from the wide end, roll the dough up over the filling towards the point, forming a horn or crescent shape. Place each rolled cookie onto the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. Repeat with the second portion of dough.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden. Remove 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.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar:
- Once the cookies are completely cool, dust them generously with powdered sugar.
Horn Walnut Cookies are a classic and sophisticated cookie that will impress with their delicious taste and charming presentation. With their nutty filling and flaky pastry, these cookies make a perfect addition to any cookie tray or special occasion.
