These Walnut Pinch Cookies, known as "Pizzicotti alle Noci," are a delightful combination of rich walnut flavor and a light, airy texture. Made with finely ground walnuts, sugar, and egg whites, these cookies are simple yet packed with nutty goodness. The dough is rolled in powdered sugar and shaped with a charming "pinch," giving each cookie a unique look and a slightly crisp exterior. Perfect for a cozy tea time or as a special treat, these cookies are sure to impress with their delicate flavor and beautiful appearance.
Why You'll Love This:
You’ll love these Walnut Pinch Cookies because they are easy to make and bursting with natural walnut flavor. The use of ground walnuts gives the cookies a rich, nutty taste, while the egg whites provide a light and airy texture. The "pinch" technique not only makes the cookies visually appealing but also adds a slight crispness to the edges, which contrasts beautifully with the soft interior. Whether you’re a fan of nuts or just looking for a unique cookie to try, these walnut cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Perfect Occasion:
These cookies are perfect for any occasion where you want to serve something a little different and full of flavor. They’re ideal for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a homemade gift for friends and family. Their simple elegance makes them suitable for more formal occasions, while their comforting flavor means they can be enjoyed any time you’re in the mood for a sweet, nutty treat. Serve them with a cup of coffee or tea, or enjoy them as a satisfying snack on their own.
Decoration Tips:
For a touch of extra elegance, consider dusting the tops of the cookies with a bit more powdered sugar after they’ve cooled. You can also drizzle a little melted dark chocolate over the top for a more indulgent treat. If you’re making these cookies for a special occasion, arrange them on a decorative platter and garnish with whole walnut halves. The simplicity of the cookies allows you to get creative with the presentation, making them perfect for any event.
Ingredients:
- 350 grams walnut halves
- 150 grams granulated sugar
- 2 egg whites
- Vanilla extract, to taste
- Powdered sugar, as needed
Instructions:
- Prepare the Walnut Flour:
- In a food processor, finely grind the walnut halves until they resemble a coarse flour. Be careful not to over-process them into a paste.
- Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground walnuts with the granulated sugar.
- Lightly whisk the egg whites with a fork, just until they are slightly frothy, then add them to the walnut mixture.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix everything together with a fork until you have a soft, homogeneous dough.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a spoon, scoop out small portions of the dough and roll them into balls.
- Slightly elongate each ball, then roll it in powdered sugar.
- Pinch each cookie in the middle using your thumb and index finger to create the characteristic "pinch" shape.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Place the shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as they can dry out.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust with additional powdered sugar if desired.
Enjoy!