Italian Walnut Cookies

Italian Walnut Cookies are a delicious 4-ingredient treat that come together fast. You're going to love the chewy texture and delicious flavor of this simple cookie.

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Keyword Italian Cookies, Walnut Cookies

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 12

Total Time 22

Servings cookies

Calories 168kcal

Author Angela Allison

Equipment

food processor fitted with blade attachment

Ingredients

3 cups walnuts, shelled (300 grams, plus more for topping)
¾ cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
2 large egg whites, lightly beaten
¼ cup powdered sugar (25 grams)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
In a food processor fitted with the blade attachment, add in the walnuts and granulated sugar. Pulse until the mixture forms a crumb, similar to coarse sand. Pour the walnut mixture into a mixing bowl.
Pour the egg whites into the walnut mixture and stir just until the dough is wet and the ingredients are combined. Use a cookie scoop to measure out equal portions of dough (you should get about 18 cookies total) and roll into balls.
Place the powdered sugar in a small bowl. Roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar and place on the lined baking sheet leaving about a two inches between each cookie. Gently press a walnut halve onto the top of each cookie ball.
Bake in your preheated oven on the center rack for about 10-12 minutes, or until the sides of the cookie are set. Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for five minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Pulse the walnuts in a food processor just until they resemble coarse sand. Be careful not to over process or you'll end up with nut butter.
You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and roll in powdered sugar before baking.
I like to add a walnut half to the tops of the cookies before baking, but this is optional.
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze for up to two months.

Nutrition