Orange and Walnut Cookies: Crunchy and Aromatic

These delicious cookies combine the intense citrus aroma of orange with the crunchy texture of walnuts. A traditional recipe with a special touch, perfect to accompany afternoon tea or as a homemade gift. Fresh orange zest provides an unmistakable flavor that makes these cookies an unforgettable treat.

Preparation Time

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Baked: 12-15 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the orange and walnut cookie dough

• 2 cups butter at room temperature
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 egg (separated into white and yolk)
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2½ cups all-purpose wheat flour

For decorating

• 1 cup ground walnuts for coating
• 24 walnut halves for decorating

Necessary utensils

• Electric or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Citrus grater
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or grease for greasing
• Fork
• Cooling rack

Step-by-step instructions

Prepare the dough

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In the mixer bowl, cream the butter at medium speed until smooth.
3. Add the sugar and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy (approximately 3 minutes).
4. Incorporate the orange zest and juice, mixing well to distribute the citrus aroma.
5. Add only the egg yolk (reserve the white) and beat until fully integrated.

Incorporate the dry ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add this dry mixture to the mixer bowl in 3 batches.
3. Mix at low speed until a homogeneous dough forms. Do not overmix.
4. The dough should be soft and manageable. If it's too sticky, refrigerate it for 15 minutes.

Shape and decorate the cookies

1. Lightly beat the reserved egg white with a fork until foamy.
2. Take portions of dough of approximately 1 tablespoon.
3. Form small balls with your hands.
4. Dip each ball in the beaten egg white.
5. Coat completely in the ground walnuts.
6. Place the balls on a baking sheet previously greased or lined with parchment paper, leaving 2 inches of space between each one.
7. Slightly flatten each cookie with a fork.
8. Place a walnut half in the center of each cookie, pressing gently.

Bake the cookies

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
2. The cookies should maintain a light color in the center.
3. Remove from the oven and let rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes.
4. Carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for perfect orange and walnut cookies

• Ingredient temperature: Make sure the butter is at room temperature but not melted.
• Organic oranges: If possible, use organic oranges for the zest, avoiding chemicals from the peel.
• Conservation: These cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Variation: You can substitute orange juice with tangerine juice for a milder flavor.
• Gourmet touch: Add half a teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance all flavors.

Nutritional information

Pairing and accompaniments

These cookies are perfect to accompany:

• Chamomile tea or black tea
• Coffee with milk
• Hot chocolate
• Vanilla ice cream (as a base for an ice cream sandwich)
• Warm apple compote

Frequently asked questions about Orange and Walnut Cookies