There’s something utterly irresistible about a freshly baked batch of Walnut Butter Cookies. With their golden, buttery crumb and that signature nutty crunch, these cookies truly hit all the right notes. Whether you’re planning a cozy afternoon snack or baking a gift from the heart, this recipe is a winner—easy enough for a weekday treat, yet decadent enough for special occasions. Each bite balances textures perfectly: soft centers, crisp edges, and the satisfying snap of roasted walnuts. If you love classic recipes with a twist, you’re about to fall in love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Walnut Butter Cookies is how effortlessly simple ingredients come together to create such rich flavor and tempting texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, so be sure to pick good-quality items—they make all the difference!
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture—don’t skip the softening step for easy mixing.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and helps with browning for those delicious golden edges.
- Light Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds a chewy warmth thanks to a touch of molasses, deepening the cookie’s flavor profile.
- Large Egg (1): Acts as the binding agent, helping everything hold together beautifully while keeping the crumb soft.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and brings an aromatic bakery scent to the dough.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups): The sturdy base that creates the cookie’s soft interior—measure carefully for best results.
- Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon): Gives just enough lift for a tender bite without making the cookies cakey.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch heightens all the sweet flavors without overpowering the nuts.
- Finely Chopped Walnuts (1 cup): The heart and soul of this recipe—providing richness, crunch, and a toasty, nutty aroma.
- Additional Chopped Walnuts (optional, for topping): Sprinkling a few extra nuts before baking adds visual appeal and an extra layer of crunch.
How to Make Walnut Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—getting the temperature just right means perfect cookies. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which will keep your cookies from sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to cream together your softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture turns pale, light, and fluffy. This step infuses air into the dough, laying the foundation for soft, delicate cookies.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well integrated. You’ll notice the dough becomes silkier and slightly glossy—a sign you’re on the right track!
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This not only ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt, but it also breaks up any lumps that could sneak into your dough.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add your dry mixture to your creamed butter combo, mixing on low or by hand until just combined. Try not to overmix—stop as soon as you don’t see streaks of flour.
Step 6: Fold in the Walnuts
Gently fold in the finely chopped walnuts. This is where the magic happens—the nuts get woven into the dough so each bite of your Walnut Butter Cookies has that signature nutty excitement.
Step 7: Shape and Top
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough (or use a small cookie scoop for uniformity) and roll into balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle extra chopped walnuts on top.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges with soft centers—they’ll continue to set as they cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma filling your kitchen is unforgettable!
How to Serve Walnut Butter Cookies
Garnishes
For that little extra flourish, try dusting your Walnut Butter Cookies with powdered sugar or drizzling them with melted chocolate after they’ve cooled. Not only does this add a wow factor, but it also introduces a new layer of flavor that’s sure to impress anyone who tries them.
Side Dishes
These cookies are delightful alongside a tall glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee. For a festive dessert platter, pair them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the contrast is heavenly and makes for a lovely treat after dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Walnut Butter Cookies look gorgeous piled high in a rustic tin for gifting, stacked neatly in a bakery box with a ribbon for a special occasion, or arranged artfully on a dessert platter at holiday gatherings. You can also sandwich a layer of Nutella or nut butter between two cookies for a decadent twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Walnut Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to five days—a great option for tucking into lunchboxes or snacking whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll taste fantastic for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature whenever you need a quick, homemade treat.
Reheating
If you like your cookies warm, pop one or two in the microwave for around 10 seconds. This revives their fresh-baked aroma and slightly softens their centers, making them feel straight-from-the-oven even days later.
FAQs
Can I substitute other nuts for the walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts work well in this recipe, though each will bring its own unique flavor and texture. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorites.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
No worries! You can lightly grease your baking sheet with butter or a nonstick spray as an alternative. Just keep an extra eye on the cookies so they don’t overbrown on the bottom.
Why are my cookies turning out dry?
Dry cookies often mean either too much flour or overbaking. Make sure to measure your flour correctly (spoon and level it, don’t pack!), and bake just until the edges are golden and the centers only look set.
Can I make the dough ahead and bake later?
Definitely! The dough for Walnut Butter Cookies can be made a day in advance. Store it tightly covered in the fridge, then scoop and bake when you’re ready—they may just need an extra minute or two in the oven.
How do I get my cookies to bake evenly?
For even baking, make sure your dough balls are all roughly the same size and flatten them to a similar thickness. Rotating your baking sheet halfway through the bake can also help ensure even color and texture.
Final Thoughts
Once you try your hand at these Walnut Butter Cookies, I promise you’ll want to make them part of your regular baking rotation. They’re a true crowd-pleaser—comforting, elegant, and packed with homemade charm. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself or someone special to these irresistible cookies soon. Happy baking!
Print
Walnut Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these delicious Walnut Butter Cookies. Buttery, nutty, and perfectly sweet, these cookies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether for a holiday treat or a simple snack, these cookies are sure to please.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
Topping:
- Additional chopped walnuts for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in walnuts: Fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Form cookie dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart and flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Add topping: Sprinkle extra chopped walnuts on top if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a fun twist, drizzle cooled cookies with melted chocolate or dust lightly with powdered sugar.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
