Name: Delicious Italian Walnut Cookies in Just 3 Ingredients!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 28 min
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh walnuts; 1 cup sugar; 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 cup powdered sugar (for serving)

As I sifted through my cherished memory box of family recipes, I stumbled upon a handwritten note tucked away among the pages. It whispered tales of my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with the comforting aroma of freshly baked Italian Walnut Cookies, or Dolci di Noci. With just three ingredients, these delightful treats offer a fantastic blend of nuttiness and a subtle sweetness, making them a perfect companion for your afternoon coffee or tête-à-tête with friends. Their gluten-free nature ensures that anyone can indulge without guilt, while the quick preparation means you can whip up a batch in no time. Ready to discover how to bring a piece of Southern Italy into your home? Let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe!

Why Are Italian Walnut Cookies So Special?

Simplicity: These delightful Italian Walnut Cookies come together with just three ingredients, making them a breeze to prepare, even for novice bakers.

Gluten-Free Goodness: With their naturally gluten-free composition, these cookies are perfect for everyone, allowing you to satisfy sweet cravings without any hassle.

Rich Flavor: The toasty flavor of fresh walnuts shines through, creating a nutty taste that pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea.

Quick Preparation: You can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes, which means delicious homemade cookies are always within reach!

Cultural Connection: These cookies are a taste of Southern Italy, bringing rich tradition to your kitchen, much like our Italian Tiramisu or Italian Spaghetti Ground.

Indulge in simplicity and taste with these unforgettable treats!

Italian Walnut Cookies Ingredients

• Discover the magic of simple baking!

For the Cookies

Walnuts – The star ingredient, these should be fresh to provide that rich, buttery flavor.
Sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the nuttiness of the walnuts.
Egg – Acts as a binding agent, keeping your Italian Walnut Cookies united and moist.

For Dusting (Optional)

Powdered Sugar – A light sprinkle enhances the presentation and adds a delicate sweetness, perfect for serving.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Italian Walnut Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (375°F). While the oven heats up, line a baking tray with parchment paper, ensuring it is flat and ready for your delicious Italian Walnut Cookies. This preparation helps prevent sticking and promotes even baking for the perfect texture.

Step 2: Process the Walnuts and Sugar
In a food processor, add the fresh walnuts and sugar, pulsing gently until the mixture is finely ground. This step should take about 30 seconds, so keep an eye on the consistency—you want a fine crumb without over-processing into a paste. The aroma of the walnuts will fill your kitchen, hinting at the delightful cookies to come.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
Transfer the walnut-sugar blend into a mixing bowl and crack in a room temperature egg. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix the ingredients thoroughly until they form a uniform dough. This process should take just a few moments, and you’ll notice the dough becoming slightly sticky, which is just what you want for your Italian Walnut Cookies.

Step 4: Shape the Dough
Once your dough is well mixed, form it into a ball or disc on a clean surface. Divide the dough into four equal portions for easy handling. Each piece should be roughly the size of a golf ball. This makes it simple to create the signature shapes of your Italian Walnut Cookies in the following steps.

Step 5: Roll and Flatten the Portions
Take each portion of dough and roll it into a log about 9 inches long. Gently flatten each log to about 1 inch wide, creating a nice rectangle shape. This is where the cookies get their rustic charm, and the slight flattening allows for even baking and that perfect crunchy edge everyone loves.

Step 6: Cut the Cookies
Using a sharp knife, cut each log into 6 equal pieces, giving you cookies that are approximately 1.5 inches wide. Be careful to keep your cuts straight for uniform baking and presentation. You should have a beautiful arrangement of cookie pieces ready to bake, each one showcasing the delightful walnut mixture.

Step 7: Arrange on the Baking Tray
Place the cookie pieces on the prepared baking tray, ensuring there’s enough space between each for expansion while baking. You want to allow for about an inch of space, which will help the Italian Walnut Cookies bake evenly and develop that lovely golden crust.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake the cookies for 11-13 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. The aroma will fill your home, drawing everyone to the kitchen in anticipation of these delicious Italian Walnut Cookies.

Step 9: Cool and Dust
Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the cookies cool for a few minutes. After they have cooled slightly, you can dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before serving to friends and family.

Make Ahead Options

These Italian Walnut Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the walnut-sugar mixture up to 24 hours in advance by pulsing together the walnuts and sugar and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply mix in the room temperature egg and shape your cookies. Alternatively, you can also shape the cookies and refrigerate them on the baking tray for up to 3 days—just cover them with plastic wrap to maintain freshness. When ready to serve, bake them straight from the fridge for a delightful treat that’s just as delicious as if they were made fresh. Enjoy stress-free baking by prepping ahead!

What to Serve with 3-Ingredient Italian Walnut Cookies

These cookies offer a delightful blend of nuttiness and subtle sweetness, perfect for rounding out any cozy gathering.

Espresso: The bold, rich flavors of espresso balance the sweet nuttiness, creating a delightful pairing perfect for afternoon indulgence.
Herbal Tea: Choose a floral or fruity herbal tea like chamomile or hibiscus that complements the walnut flavors while providing a soothing experience.
Fresh Berries: A side of ripe strawberries or blueberries adds a refreshing touch, enhancing the overall enjoyment with vibrant color and taste.
Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese provide a creamy contrast to the crunchy cookies, creating a satisfying texture combination.
Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the cookies can add a touch of decadence while still allowing the nutty flavor to shine.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Indulge in a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside your cookies for a delightful dessert experience that’s hard to resist.
Caramel Sauce: A warm side of caramel sauce can enhance the nutty flavors, inviting a rich sweetness that takes your cookie experience to a whole new level.
Milk: Whether it’s almond or dairy milk, a chilled glass provides a playful contrast to the cookies, echoing that classic childhood nostalgia.
Sparkling Water: Refreshing and light, a glass of sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon can cleanse the palate nicely between bites of your cookies.

Storage Tips for Italian Walnut Cookies

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. This keeps them fresh and delicious for snacking or sharing.
Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, you can keep the cookies in the fridge for up to three weeks in an airtight container. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw before enjoying!
Reheating: If you love a warm cookie, pop them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes. This will restore their delightful crunch and warmth, making your Italian Walnut Cookies feel freshly baked!

Italian Walnut Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative and make these cookies your own with these delicious twists!

Nut Variants: Try using hazelnuts or almonds for a unique flavor twist. Each gives a different nutty profile while still delivering that satisfying crunch.
Vanilla Boost: A splash of vanilla extract can elevate the flavor, adding warmth and depth that complements the walnuts delightfully.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a touch of decadence by drizzling melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies. This indulgent contrast enhances their sweetness beautifully!
Spice It Up: Consider incorporating a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to warm up the flavors, perfect for cozy gatherings or festive occasions.
Maple Sweetness: Swap sugar with a touch of maple syrup for a natural sweetness and a subtly distinct taste that pairs wonderfully with the walnuts.
Dried Fruit Addition: Chopped dried cranberries or raisins can bring a chewy element to the cookies, balancing the crunchy texture with a sweet burst.
Savory Twist: Make it interesting with the addition of sea salt on top before baking. This contrast of sweet and salty creates a delightful flavor experience.
Serving Suggestions: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of tea or espresso for a true Italian experience, much like our rich Italian Tiramisu.

Let your imagination run wild; these variations are just a starting point for endless possibilities!

Expert Tips for Italian Walnut Cookies

Quality Nuts: Use fresh walnuts for the best flavor; stale or rancid nuts can ruin your Italian Walnut Cookies. Always check for freshness before using.
Room Temperature Egg: Ensure your egg is at room temperature to help it combine easily with the other ingredients, creating a smoothly mixed dough.
Avoid Over-Processing: When grinding walnuts and sugar, pulse until finely ground but avoid turning it into a paste. This preserves the lovely texture of the cookies.
Correct Dough Handling: If your dough feels sticky, use parchment paper while shaping or keep your hands lightly floured to make the process easier.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies in the oven; they can go from perfectly golden to overly browned in a matter of minutes.

Italian Walnut Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my walnuts are fresh?
Absolutely! Fresh walnuts should be crisp and nutty without any rancid or sour smell. Look for walnuts that are free of dark spots or signs of moisture. When in doubt, give them a taste! If they’re soft or have an off flavor, it’s best to toss them and buy new ones.

What is the best way to store Italian Walnut Cookies?
Very good question! Store your Italian Walnut Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to keep them fresh and delicious. If you want to enjoy them longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to three weeks in a well-sealed container.

Can I freeze Italian Walnut Cookies?
Definitely! For longer storage, freeze the cookies individually by wrapping them in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. This way, they can last up to three months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in an oven preheated to 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes to regain their lovely crunch.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is feeling a bit too sticky, don’t worry! Dust your hands and the working surface with a little bit of powdered sugar or flour to help make it easier to handle. Alternatively, you can roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. This method also reduces cleanup!

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Absolutely! These Italian Walnut Cookies are naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. However, be mindful if anyone has a nut allergy, as these cookies are primarily made from walnuts. If you’re preparing them for someone with allergies, it might be best to choose a different dessert.

Can I use a different nut instead of walnuts in this recipe?
Of course! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap the walnuts for hazelnuts or almonds. Just be sure to adjust the nut quantity to maintain the right texture. This variation can offer a unique twist while keeping the inherent simplicity of these delightful Italian Walnut Cookies!