German Walnut Shortbread Cookies

These German Christmas cookies are similar to shortbread and we bake them every year in December. The recipe makes a pretty large amount and they are pretty quick to make, since you only have to cut the dough, so perfect for last minute baking.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 45 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup chopped walnuts
• ¾ cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 teaspoons confectioners' sugar

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 2

Beat 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter in a large bowl using an electric mixer until creamy. Add 3/4 cup plus 4 teaspoons confectioner's sugar, egg yolk, and salt; beat until smooth. Knead in 2 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons flour and 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons walnuts.

Step 3

Shape dough into 2-inch thick rolls and press them into rectangles using a flat item like a cutting board (they should look like oversized butter sticks). Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.

Step 4

Cut dough into thin slices and lay them on an ungreased baking sheet.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C) and bake until very lightly browned, about 5 more minutes.

Step 6

Remove from the baking sheet and cool on a wire rack, about 20 minutes.