6 ounces walnuts, toasted (instructions below)
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup confectioner's sugar
To toast raw walnuts: For a large batch and a nice golden brown color, lay walnuts in a single layer on a cookie sheet with sides. Put into a 350-degree oven for five to 10 minutes until walnuts turn a golden brown and give off a pleasant aroma. For smaller batches, place walnuts in a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Be careful with this method because walnuts will brown very quickly and can easily burn.
Mixing the dough: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Finely grind the walnuts and 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar in a food processor. Set aside. Put the butter and remaining 4 tablespoons of the granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add the vanilla. Combine the flour and salt and stir into the butter mixture. Add the reserved nuts. Form the dough into 3/4-inch balls. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and put the cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Bake the cookies for about 20 minutes until light brown. Remove them from the oven and immediately roll them in confectioner's sugar. Makes 3 dozen delicious cookies.
- Recipe submitted by Christina Abuelo
