If you have a soft spot for traditional European treats, Hungarian walnut cookies, or “Diós Pogácsa,” are a delightful choice that will instantly transport your taste buds to the heart of Hungary. These delicate, buttery cookies are packed with the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Whether served during festive holidays, family gatherings, or simply enjoyed with a cup of tea, these cookies have a timeless charm that makes them a beloved classic. Their crumbly yet tender structure and subtle hint of vanilla make them irresistible for both kids and adults alike.
In this recipe, we’ll take you through each step to create authentic Hungarian walnut cookies from scratch. From mixing the dough to perfecting the bake, you’ll find that these cookies are easier to make than you might think.
Get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of walnuts and vanilla and impress your friends and family with this traditional Hungarian delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hungarian walnut cookies are a wonderful blend of simplicity and flavor. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Rich walnut flavor: Freshly ground walnuts are the star ingredient, giving the cookies a deep, nutty taste.
- Perfect texture: Crumbly yet tender, these cookies melt in your mouth.
- Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry, making this an easy recipe to whip up.
- Versatile: These cookies are perfect for holidays, afternoon tea, or gifting.
- Authentic Hungarian tradition: This recipe brings a piece of Hungarian culture into your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 150g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 150g (1 cup) finely ground walnuts
- 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Cookie cutter or knife (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Take the butter out of the fridge about 30 minutes before to soften. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground walnuts. Whisk together to ensure even distribution.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer or hand whisk to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a spatula or your hands to gently mix until a uniform dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough, or the cookies may become tough.
- Shape the cookies: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to about 1 cm (1/3 inch) thickness. Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut the dough into small rounds or squares, approximately 3-4 cm wide.
- Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 cm apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown.
- Cool and dust: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra nutty kick, try toasting the walnuts lightly before grinding – it brings out more flavor!”
- Walnut texture: For a crunchier bite, reserve some chopped walnuts and sprinkle them on top of the cookies before baking.
- Flavor twists: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange zest to the dough for a different aroma.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but expect a slightly different texture.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Cookie (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 kcal |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Serving Suggestions
Hungarian walnut cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Consider serving them alongside a hot cup of coffee, black tea, or even a glass of dessert wine for an indulgent treat.
They also make an excellent accompaniment to soft cheeses or fruit preserves on a dessert platter. For special occasions, arrange them on a decorative plate dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with whole walnuts or fresh mint leaves.
These cookies are perfect for gift-giving as well. Wrap them in parchment paper and tie with a festive ribbon for a charming homemade gift.
Conclusion
Hungarian walnut cookies are a timeless treat that captures the essence of traditional baking with simple ingredients and heartfelt flavors. Their buttery, nutty profile is both comforting and sophisticated, making them a perfect addition to any cookie repertoire.
Whether you are new to Hungarian cuisine or a seasoned baker seeking a classic recipe, this walnut cookie recipe is sure to become a favorite.
With easy-to-follow steps and flexible tips for personalization, you can tailor these cookies to your taste and dietary preferences. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful Hungarian cookies with your loved ones, and create delicious memories that span generations.
📖 Recipe Card: Hungarian Walnut Cookies
Description: Traditional Hungarian walnut cookies with a rich, buttery flavor and a crunchy texture. Perfect for festive occasions or as a delightful treat with tea or coffee.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely ground walnuts
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for dough consistency)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and ground walnuts.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Add milk if dough is too dry and knead gently.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet.
- Flatten balls slightly with a fork or your palm.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool on wire rack and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 13g
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