Little Walnut Pie Cookies 🍪
Introduction:
Indulge in the delightfully charming world of Little Walnut Pie Cookies – these tiny treats are like miniature pies that melt in your mouth, leaving behind a symphony of flavors and textures. Imagine the perfect blend of buttery crust, creamy filling, and crunchy walnuts all in one bite. This recipe, passed down through generations, originated from a dear co-worker who shared it after causing a frenzy of admiration in the office. Now, it’s your turn to spread the joy with these irresistible cookies!
Overview:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3 oz cream cheese
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, cream cheese, and flour.
- Mix with your hands until smooth and well incorporated.
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Shape the Dough:
- Roll the dough into 24 equal-sized balls.
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Form the Crust:
- Using mini muffin tins, place one dough ball into each cup.
- With your fingers, gently press each ball to form a small crust at the bottom and up the sides of the cup.
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
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Prepare the Filling:
- In another bowl, combine chopped walnuts, melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture becomes moist.
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Assemble the Cookies:
- Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of the walnut mixture into each muffin cup, on top of the prepared crusts.
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Bake to Perfection:
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and the filling is set.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes.
- Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
- These delightful Little Walnut Pie Cookies are best enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee, or simply on their own as a sweet treat any time of the day!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 7.9g
- Saturated Fat: 3.6g
- Cholesterol: 23.3mg
- Sodium: 44.6mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 11.3g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.4g
- Sugar: 6.8g
- Protein: 1.7g
Tips and Variations:
- Make Ahead: These cookies can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Nut-Free Option: For those with nut allergies, you can substitute the walnuts with chopped pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile.
- Mini Pie Variations: Get creative with the fillings! Try using different types of nuts, fruits, or even chocolate chips to create unique flavor combinations.
- Gift Idea: Package these cookies in decorative boxes or bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift that’s sure to impress.
With their irresistible taste and adorable presentation, Little Walnut Pie Cookies are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the joy of baking and sharing these delightful treats with your loved ones! 🌟