Imagine biting into a delicate, powdery cookie that crumbles softly on your tongue, releasing a rich, buttery walnut flavor that instantly transports you to cherished childhood memories. These Walnut Butter Balls are more than just a dessert—they're a nostalgic journey through generations of family baking tradition. With a perfect balance of nutty crunch and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this recipe is about to become your new favorite holiday treat that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy using an electric mixer or stand mixer.
- Gradually add powdered sugar to the butter, mixing until the mixture is light and well combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, finely chop the walnuts using a food processor or sharp knife until they are uniformly ground.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour and salt, then gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the finely chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using clean hands, roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them about
- 5 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden but the tops remain pale.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- While still warm, gently roll the cookies in additional powdered sugar to coat completely.
- Transfer the coated cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust with additional powdered sugar if desired, and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted—room temperature is key for the perfect cookie texture.
- Finely chop the walnuts to distribute them evenly and prevent large chunks that might disrupt the cookie's delicate structure.
- Don't overbake! These cookies should remain pale with just the slightest golden edge for that signature melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they're still warm for the best sugar coating.
- Use a light touch when handling the dough to keep the cookies tender and delicate.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain their soft, crumbly texture for up to 5 days.
- For extra flavor, consider toasting the walnuts lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 158kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 17mg
