Walnut Crisps
Crunchy walnut crisps with a delicate, buttery flavor and a hint of vanilla, perfect for tea time or as a sweet snack for guests and family alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift flour, sugar, and salt into a large bowl.
- Mix in thoroughly with a fork: shortening, egg yolk, milk, and vanilla.
- Form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a walnut.
- Place the balls on a cookie sheet.
- Press each ball to about 1/16 inch thickness with the bottom of a greased glass dipped in sugar.
- Brush the tops with slightly beaten egg white.
- Sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 6 to 8 minutes or until slightly brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the flour with almond flour, which pairs beautifully with the walnuts. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can replace some of the sugar with brown sugar for a richer taste. Ensure the shortening is soft enough to mix easily; if it's too hard, microwave it for a few seconds. Adjust the baking time based on your oven's calibration for perfect crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve walnut crisps as a delightful snack or dessert alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They also make a great addition to a cheese platter or can be crumbled over salads for a crunchy topping. Pair them with a rich dessert like Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Torte for a well-rounded treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover walnut crisps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness without drying them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Walnut Crisps contains roughly 818 calories, with 11g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2007mg per serving (87% 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 a different type of nut instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts, depending on your preference. Each nut will impart a different flavor to the crisps, so choose one that complements your taste. Just make sure to chop them finely for even distribution.
What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough seems too crumbly to form into balls, you can add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the mixture holds together better. Be cautious not to add too much at once; the goal is to achieve a workable consistency without making the dough too wet.
Can I make these walnut crisps gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the structure. The texture may vary slightly, but they should still turn out delicious!
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).