Walnut Cinnamon Snow Cookies

Imagine savoring a cookie that's both tender and rich, with a beautifully spiced aroma of cinnamon and a touch of cocoa. These walnut cinnamon snow cookies bring decadence to any table with their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate sweet flavor enhanced by toasted walnuts. Perfect for cold winter days, they offer warmth and comfort with each bite. The combination of ground nuts, buttery dough, and the fragrant duo of cinnamon and cocoa makes these cookies a delightful treat. Topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar, they resemble snowy peaks waiting to be enjoyed. This recipe captures the balance between luxurious taste and simplicity in preparation, making it ideal for home bakers of all levels. Indulge in these cookies for an afternoon moment of bliss, or share them as a thoughtful homemade gift. Their versatility makes them a staple for both everyday snacking and special occasions. Get ready for a delightful baking adventure!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 egg yolks
• 100 g walnuts
• 100 g butter
• About 4 tbsp sugar
• Approximately 250 g flour
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Spices

• About 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp cocoa
• 1/2 tsp baking powder

Preparation Time

Total Time: 60 minutes

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients. Let the butter come to room temperature for easier mixing.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: Beat the egg yolks, sugar, and softened butter until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This will be the base for your cookies.
3. Toast and Crush the Walnuts: Roast the walnuts lightly in a pan to bring out their flavor. Once cooled, blend them into fine crumbs.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add cinnamon, cocoa, baking powder, and crushed walnuts to the butter mixture. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
5. Mix in the Flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing continuously until the dough comes together.
6. Determine Dough Texture: Adjust the consistency so that it’s soft yet firm enough to handle. It should not be dry but pliable for hand-rolling.
7. Chill the Dough: Place the dough in a plastic wrap or bag and let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
8. Preheat the Oven: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). This ensures even baking throughout.
9. Shape the Cookies: Take the chilled dough and form small walnut-sized balls, then flatten them slightly. For extra texture, roll them gently in sugar granules before baking.
10. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Lay the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring enough space between each to allow for slight spreading.
11. Bake the Cookies: Place in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. They should remain light in color with just a hint of golden edges.
12. Cool Briefly: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack.
13. Dust with Sugar: While the cookies are still warm, generously sift powdered sugar over them to create the snowy effect.
14. Serving Suggestion: Enjoy these cookies slightly warm for the best experience, letting the flavors meld together.

Tips

• Cool the Nuts: Ensure walnuts are cooled completely after toasting to avoid melting the butter in the dough.
• Flavor Substitutions: Almonds or hazelnuts can be used in place of walnuts for a different flavor profile.
• Consistency Check: If dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water or milk.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per cookie
Protein: 2 g
Fats: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra spiced version.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with hot tea or cocoa for a cozy treat.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent dessert.

Best Places

• Pierre Hermé Paris - Exquisite pastries with a modern twist. Location: 72 Rue Bonaparte, Paris, France.
• Levain Bakery - Home to famous chunky cookies. Location: 167 W 74th St, New York, USA.
• Tartine Bakery - Renowned for their baked goods. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.
• Breads Bakery - Specializing in freshly baked bread and pastries. Location: 18 E 16th St, New York, USA.
• Konditori Gunnel - Known for traditional Scandinavian pastries. Location: Götgatan 92, Stockholm, Sweden.
• Paul Bakery - Authentic French bakery experience. Location: 93 Route d'Arlon, Strassen, Luxembourg.
• Forn Baluard - Rustic bakery specializing in artisan bread. Location: Carrer del Baluard, 38, Barcelona, Spain.
• Haigh's Chocolate - Premium chocolate desserts and cookies. Location: 153 Collins St, Melbourne, Australia.
• Conditorei Schober - Offers Swiss pastries and sweets. Location: Napfgasse 4, Zurich, Switzerland.
• Gerbeaud Cafe - Elegant cafe setting with Hungarian pastries. Location: Vörösmarty tér 7-8, Budapest, Hungary.