These walnut butter cookies are rich, buttery, and packed with a nutty flavor that melts in your mouth. With their delicate crumb and simple preparation, they’re an ideal treat to enjoy any time of the day. Pair them with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy moment of indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The combination of butter and walnuts creates a perfectly rich, nutty flavor.
These cookies are quick and easy to make, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish.
Perfect for gifting, holiday platters, or simply enjoying at home.
They’re customizable – add powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness or enjoy them plain for a more rustic taste.
The dough can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great recipe for busy schedules.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients:
Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
Shape the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheets and flatten them slightly with the back of a fork or your palm.
Bake:
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch, if desired.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
Add a Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate and drizzle over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of flavor.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced note.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Extra Crunch: Use toasted walnuts for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
Shape Options: Use cookie cutters for fun shapes instead of rolling the dough into balls.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Freezing: Freeze the unbaked dough balls in an airtight container for up to three months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: To refresh the cookies, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes.
Related Recipes:
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon to balance the flavors.
Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work wonderfully as a replacement for walnuts.
How do I make these cookies vegan?
Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative to make this recipe dairy-free.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Ensure the butter is softened but not melted, and consider chilling the dough for 15 minutes before baking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before shaping and baking.
Conclusion
Walnut butter cookies are a timeless treat, simple to prepare and full of rich, nutty goodness. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar, they’re a surefire way to brighten any day. Try them out and savor the warm, buttery flavor that makes these cookies irresistible!
📖 Recipe:
Print
Walnut Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the rich, buttery flavor of these Walnut Butter Cookies, a simple and delicious treat that melts in your mouth. Packed with finely chopped walnuts, they’re perfect for tea time, gifting, or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. - Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes). - Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients:
Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Stir in the chopped walnuts. - Shape the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly with the back of a fork or palm. - Bake:
Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. - Cool and Serve:
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Make Ahead: Refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours; let it soften slightly before shaping.
Nut Substitutions: Pecans or almonds can replace walnuts.
Vegan Option: Use vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Prevent Spreading: Chill dough for 15 minutes if cookies spread too much during baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150 kcal
