English Walnut Cookies
Deliciously buttery English Walnut Cookies blend sweet cherries and crunchy walnuts for a classic treat that’s perfect for tea time or a quick snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream margarine and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla, beating until the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
- Fold in the walnut pieces and chopped maraschino cherries.
- Shape the dough into a log about 2 inches long and 1/2 inch wide.
- Wrap the log in wax paper and chill for several hours.
- Cut the chilled log into thin slices, approximately 1/8 inch thick.
- Arrange the slices on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you want a different texture, try adding a mix of chopped nuts or even dried fruit. Ensure the dough is evenly chilled for uniform baking. If you prefer a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them, taking care to watch the edges for browning. This recipe can also be adapted to include chocolate chips for a delightful twist.
Serving Suggestions
These English Walnut Cookies are perfect served with a cup of tea or coffee, making them an excellent choice for afternoon gatherings. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. For an added treat, serve alongside Aunt Billye's Peach Cake to create a diverse dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, consider freezing the sliced cookies before baking. When ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for best results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of English Walnut Cookies contains roughly 731 calories, with 13g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (31% of the Daily Value) and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1844mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).
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 use other types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts based on your preference. Just make sure to chop them to a similar size as the walnut pieces so they incorporate well into the dough.
What can I do if my dough is too soft to shape?
If your dough is too soft, try chilling it for a longer period to firm it up. Alternatively, you can add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is manageable. Avoid adding too much flour to prevent dry cookies.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the shaped log of dough for up to 3 months. Just remember to wrap it tightly in wax paper and plastic wrap before freezing.
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).