Walnut Cookies with Caramel and Hazelnut Filling

Walnut Cookies with Caramel and Hazelnut Filling are the ultimate holiday treat, bringing festive cheer to every bite. These delightful cookies, shaped like walnuts, combine buttery shells, creamy caramel, and the crunch of toasted hazelnuts. They’re a Christmas favorite, evoking the warm and cozy spirit of the season.

Perfect for holiday gatherings, dessert platters, or thoughtful homemade gifts, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. With their unique design and irresistible flavor, they’re bound to become a cherished part of your holiday baking tradition. Let’s create some holiday magic with this special recipe!

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

These walnut cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re a showstopper on any holiday table. Their unique shape, achieved with a special walnut mold, makes them as beautiful as they are tasty. The roasted hazelnut tucked inside adds a surprise crunch, while the smooth caramel filling ties everything together with a rich, indulgent flavor.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or preparing thoughtful homemade gifts, these cookies are sure to impress.

Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Christmas

Christmas is a time for creating memories, and baking these walnut cookies is a joyful experience that brings family and friends together. Their festive shape, indulgent filling, and nostalgic flavor make them the perfect treat to share during this special season.

The Tradition of Christmas Baking

Baking during the Christmas season is more than a kitchen activity—it’s a tradition steeped in love and togetherness. These cookies evoke that spirit, with their careful preparation and irresistible flavor. Their festive presentation makes them a wonderful addition to your Christmas cookie platter, alongside classics like gingerbread and shortbread.

Ingredient Notes

Flour: Use all-purpose flour for a sturdy yet tender dough that holds its shape in the walnut mold.

Butter: Softened unsalted butter adds richness and creates a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture for the cookie shells.

Eggs: Help bind the dough and give it structure for shaping.

Orange Zest: Adds a subtle citrus aroma that enhances the festive flavor of the cookies.

Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dough, while caramelized sugar creates a rich and silky filling.

Vanilla Sugar: Infuses the dough with a delicate vanilla flavor; a pinch of vanilla extract can be substituted.

Baking Powder: Provides a bit of lift to the shells for a light and airy texture.

Hazelnuts: Toasted and peeled hazelnuts are used in the filling, adding crunch and a nutty flavor to complement the caramel.

Cream: Combines with caramelized sugar to create a smooth and luxurious filling.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the caramel and dough.

How to Make Walnut Cookies with Caramel and Hazelnut Filling

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, eggs, orange zest, sugar, salt, vanilla sugar, and baking powder.
2. Mix until a smooth dough forms that pulls cleanly away from the sides of the bowl.
3. If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

2. Toast and Peel the Hazelnuts:

1. Heat a dry pan over medium heat.
2. Add the whole hazelnuts and toast them, stirring frequently, until fragrant and golden brown.
3. Remove the hazelnuts from the pan and let them cool slightly.
4. Gently rub the hazelnuts between your hands or in a clean kitchen towel to remove the skins. Set the peeled hazelnuts aside.

3. Shape and Cook the Walnut Shells:

1. Roll the dough into small balls, about ½ inch (1.25 cm) in diameter.
2. Spray your walnut mold with cooking spray (top and bottom) and preheat it over high heat on the stove.
3. Place a dough ball into each cavity of the mold, close the mold, and press tightly to shape the dough into walnut shells.
4. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, flipping the mold halfway through, until the cookies are golden brown.
5. Remove the walnut shells from the mold and allow them to cool completely.

4. Make the Caramel Sauce:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring occasionally, until it becomes a golden caramel.
2. Add the butter and stir until fully melted and combined.
3. Gradually pour in the cream, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth.
4. Add a pinch of salt, stir, and let the caramel cool slightly before using.

5. Assemble the Cookies:

1. Take one half of a walnut shell and add a small amount of caramel sauce.
2. Place a toasted, peeled hazelnut in the center of the caramel.
3. Add a bit more caramel to cover the hazelnut, if needed.
4. Gently press another walnut shell half on top to complete the cookie.
5. Repeat with the remaining shells.

Tips for Success

• Use Cooking Spray: Ensure your walnut mold is properly greased to prevent sticking.
• Toast the Hazelnuts: Don’t skip this step—it enhances their nutty flavor and makes peeling easier.
• Work Quickly with Caramel: Once the caramel is ready, it sets quickly, so assemble the cookies promptly.

Serving and Storage

Serve these cookies fresh for the best flavor, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week. Their festive look and rich taste make them a standout choice for holiday gatherings, dessert platters, or as part of a homemade gift box.

More Christmas Recipes You’ll Love

Caramelized Cinnamon Sugar Almonds (Gebrannte Mandeln)

Garlic Butter Shrimp