Belarus Oreshki Walnut Cookies are a beloved Eastern European treat, renowned for their unique shell-like shape and rich, nutty flavor. These cookies combine buttery dough with a crunchy walnut filling, making them a delightful dessert for any occasion. Ideal for holiday gatherings or special events, Oreshki cookies can be prepared in advance and stored for up to a week.
Oreshki, also known as "Oreshki" or "Walnut Cookies," originate from Belarus and are a traditional dessert enjoyed across Eastern Europe. The name "Oreshki" translates to "little nuts" in Russian, reflecting the cookie's walnut filling and distinctive shape. These cookies are often made during festive seasons and special occasions, showcasing the region's appreciation for intricate, flavorful desserts.
Ingredients:
1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
4. 2 egg yolks
5. 1 tsp vanilla extract
6. 1/4 tsp salt
7. 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
8. 1-2 tbsp granulated sugar (for walnut filling)
Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease the Oreshki mold with non-stick cooking spray or brush it with melted butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
4. Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a cherry.
5. Place a dough ball into each indentation of the Oreshki mold. Use your fingers or a small spoon to press the dough into the mold, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden brown. Remove the mold from the oven and let the cookies cool completely.
7. While cooling, prepare the walnut filling by mixing the chopped walnuts with 1-2 tablespoons of sugar.
8. Once cooled, gently remove the cookies from the mold. Fill each cookie with a small spoonful of the walnut mixture, then press the two halves together.
9. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Notes:
- If you lack an Oreshki mold, use a mini muffin tin instead. Press the dough into the tin, creating a well in the center, and add the walnut filling as described.
- Ensure walnuts are finely chopped for easy molding.
- Experiment with different nuts such as almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts for the filling.
Nutrition Value:
1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Calories: 910
- Carbohydrates: 192g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Minimal
- Minerals: Iron, Calcium (trace amounts)
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides the primary structure for the cookies, mainly contributing carbohydrates for energy and some protein.
2. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Calories: 810
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 91g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Cholesterol: 256mg
- Vitamins: A (30% of daily value)
- Minerals: Calcium (trace amounts)
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds richness and flavor, provides fat which is essential for texture and taste, and contributes to the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
3. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Calories: 400
- Carbohydrates: 100g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Sweetens the dough and enhances flavor; provides quick energy through simple carbohydrates.
4. 2 egg yolks
- Calories: 110
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Cholesterol: 370mg
- Vitamins: A, D, E (small amounts)
- Minerals: Iron, Calcium (trace amounts)
- Nutritional Benefit: Contributes to the cookie's richness and helps bind the ingredients; provides essential nutrients like vitamins and protein.
5. 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Calories: 12
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and aroma to the cookies; has negligible nutritional value but enhances the overall taste profile.
6. 1/4 tsp salt
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 575mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Sodium
- Nutritional Benefit: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness; necessary for basic bodily functions but should be consumed in moderation.
7. 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
- Calories: 765
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 76g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: E (10% of daily value)
- Minerals: Magnesium, Phosphorus, Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients; supports heart health and provides antioxidants.
8. 1-2 tbsp granulated sugar (for walnut filling)
- Calories: 30-60
- Carbohydrates: 8-16g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds sweetness to the walnut filling; contributes simple carbohydrates for quick energy.
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