Christmas Baking
Walnut Christmas Cookies With No Baking Powder: Cutouts That Never Spread in the Oven
Buttery walnut Christmas cookies with ground walnuts and no baking powder, cut into festive shapes and rolled in powdered sugar.
NutritionApproximate, per serving
Instructions
Mix the butter base. In a bowl, briefly combine the softened butter, powdered sugar and vanilla sugar with a spoon or your hand until creamy.
Add the egg. Crack in the whole egg and work it in until the mixture is fully combined.
Add the dry ingredients. Add the finely ground walnuts and the sifted flour.
Make the dough. Quickly knead a smooth, compact dough by hand. Do not knead longer than necessary so the butter does not melt. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it for 30 minutes.
Cut out shapes. Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/6 inch (4 mm) thick. Cut out your favorite Christmas shapes.
Bake. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in an oven heated to 325°F (160°C) for about 15 to 18 minutes.
Finish. The cookies are done when the edges take on a light golden tinge. Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still warm.
- No baking powder means the cookies stay flat and sharp-edged, which suits detailed cutters or cookie stamps. Walnuts burn easily, so bake at 325°F (160°C) and keep an eye on them.
- Variations: use toasted ground hazelnuts instead of walnuts, or add a spoonful of cocoa to the dough and dip the baked cookies in white chocolate.