Butterhorn Cookies
Butterhorn Cookies are flaky, cinnamon-scented pastries filled with chopped walnuts, offering a buttery, sweet, and nutty flavor perfect for holiday gatherings or teatime treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut butter into flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Mix egg yolk and sour cream together in a small bowl.
- Add the egg yolk mixture to the flour mixture and blend thoroughly to form a dough.
- Divide the dough into 3 portions and chill for several hours or overnight.
- Roll each chilled portion into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface.
- Combine sugar, cinnamon, and finely chopped walnuts in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar-nut mixture evenly over each dough circle.
- Cut each circle into 16 wedges.
- Starting at the wide end, roll each wedge firmly toward the point to form a crescent shape.
- Place the shaped cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 17 to 20 minutes until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using European-style butter, which has a higher fat content. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds can serve as excellent substitutes. Additionally, to enhance the cookies' sweetness, you can use a mix of brown and white sugar. Chilling the dough is essential to achieve the perfect texture, so don't skip this step.
Serving Suggestions
These Butterhorn Cookies are delightful served with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving. They also pair beautifully with a layered parfait mold for a complete dessert experience. Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Butterhorn Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness. If you prefer to freeze them, place layers of parchment paper between cookies in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butterhorn Cookies contains roughly 85 calories, with 1g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 6g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Chilling enhances the flavors and makes it easier to roll out later.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don't have sour cream, plain yogurt is a great substitute. You can also use crème fraîche or a mix of buttermilk and cream cheese to achieve a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture in the dough.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they turn a light golden brown color around the edges. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. They will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a bit soft when you take them out of the oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).