Walnut kiss cookies are definitely one of my all time favorite holiday cookies. These little tea cakes have many names, but I always call them kiss cookies because they’re light, nutty, and full of flavor. They can definitely be made year round, but there’s something about dredging them in powdered sugar that makes me think of snow and holidays. As soon as Thanksgiving is over, and I start to pull out all the Christmas decorations, I head straight into the kitchen and whip up my first batch of the season.
These cookies are always a big hit because they’re not overly sweet. People always seem to have room for one, or two, or a few more, but who’s counting?? My favorite way to enjoy them is with a mug of hot chocolate, especially when it’s spiked with some Baileys! When I make these cookies, I scoop all my cookie dough and freeze it. We all know how busy it gets this time of year, so any chance to get ahead is always a good thing. Freezing the cookie dough will ensure that you’ll always be prepared for any last minute parties, or unexpected company that happens to drop in. Another reason I love freezing cookie dough before baking it is that the cookies bake evenly. These cookies also ship really well so if you’re thinking about sending someone some holiday love this season, these are perfect. Whether you bake them for a party, send them to someone special, or just treat yourself, I hope you enjoy them!
- 2 ounces walnuts
- 2 sticks unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2t. salt
- 1t. vanilla bean paste
- 1 & 3/4 cup AP flour
- powdered sugar, to dredge them in after they bake
- Toast walnuts at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes till they get a nice golden brown color.
- Once they are completely cool, pulse them in the food processor till they have the consistency of coarse cornmeal. Watch them closely when you are pulsing them that you don’t turn them into a nut paste.
- Cream butter, sugar, and salt till light and fluffy.
- Add ground walnuts.
- Add flour and mix to combine.
- You could scoop and bake cookies at this point, but I recommend letting your dough chill at least 60 minutes so they bake evenly.
- I wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it for at least 1-2 hours. Next I scoop all cookie dough and freeze it until ready to use. I use a cookie scoop that yields 1/2 ounce portions of dough.
- From the freezer bake at 325 degrees for approx. 18 minutes rotating once half way through.
- After letting them cool slightly, dredge the cookies in powdered sugar.
** This recipe yields 38-40 cookies.
** Please note that my bake time is for frozen cookies. If you bake them right away, or after chilling shortly, the bake time will probably be less than 18 minutes.
Nancy Gibson says
These are the cookies my Mother used to make. They are called Russian Tea Cookies. One of our families favorites.
Dawn says
Hi,
I just found this recipe on Pinterest. I was wondering where I might buy vanilla bean paste.
I work at a grocery store and I’m pretty sure they don’t sell it. It sounds like a gourmet ingredient. Thank-you!
bblondie says
Hi Dawn – You can find vanilla bean paste on amazon. I use Nielsen-Massey brand. You can also use vanilla extract in place of the vanilla bean paste.
Beverley says
Love this recipe and you are so great on the video…looking forward to making them xoxo
Carol | a cup of mascarpone says
Hi Meghan! I’m only a year late commenting :), but just saw these for the first time and wanted to tell you how fantastic they are! They remind me of my favorite Christmas cookies! Love them!
Torviewtoronto says
>delicious looking cookies looks wonderful lovely site
Elisabeth says
>I'm back again…just to let you know, that I'm bookmarking your amazing yummy cookies to make for the Holidays!
Hugs,
Gastronome Tart says
>Now we are talking! Hot chocolate spiked with Bailey's to go with these cookies?! Either way, I'm sure they are absolutely delicious on their own.
Sarah says
>These cookies plus bailey's spiked hot chocolate sounds exactly like what i need right now. Can't wait to try!
Christine @ Angry Cherry says
>Very pretty! They remind me of Russian tea cake cookies. 🙂
nicole {sweet peony} says
>these are my favorite holiday cookies (but i make them with pecans & call them pecan balls). i'd love to try them with the walnuts one time! thank you for sharing 🙂
Gerry @Foodness Gracious says
>A true classic! I know one would never be enough but nobody's gonna stop me in my kitchen 😉
take care..
ILEANA G. says
>I love" walnut kiss cookies", we call them other way, but for me, as for you, are winter cookies, near Christmas, we always have in the house. We make in a crescent shape, small, small, just melting on your tong! I love to try your recipe… thanks,ilibli
juclucy says
>Yum Yum Eat um up!
Jennifer says
>Love the idea to use them as presents. Very lovely presentation. Great seeing you on video. You're pretty good at it!
Elyse @The Cultural Dish says
>Congrats on the top 9! These cookies are great!
Quiche-ing Queen says
>These cookies are my favorites. They look so delicious. Yummy!
Lacy says
>Oooh these sound delicious! I have a recipe similar for pecan balls, they're great. I'm going to have to try these out! Yum!
Gina says
>Perfect for sharing, should I expect my package soon, he he. I make something similar with pecans, but my mom loves walnuts. Will have to make these for here. Hope you had a great holiday.
-Gina-
Elisabeth says
>Gorgeous cookies, and oh, so yummy, Meghan!
Congrats on the Top 9!
Jen at The Three Little Piglets says
>Powdered cookies are one of my favorites this time of year too! They just scream winter and Christmas.
Cookin' Cowgirl says
>Delicious!! Those are so pretty! 🙂 Congrats on Top 9. Buzz!
Amber, RD says
>Beautiful cookies! Please send me some! 😉
momdecuisine.net says
>I have to say I get a bit overwhelemed by all of the sweets around the holidays so I love a cookie that's not too sweet. These are so cute and would be perfect for a cookie exchange!
Sandra says
>Congratulations on Top 9!
Becky says
>I love your name of the cookies, and the cookies themselves. i never thought to freeze the dough. thanks for tip.
Congrats on the Top 9 today!
Munatycooking says
>I'm addicted to your blog for a very good reason 🙂 … Love the cookies a lot!
janet@fromcupcakestocaviar says
>Yummy! These are my daughters all time favorite Christmas cookie. I have a recipe I usually use but yours look so delicious, I think I will use your recipe this year!
Magic of Spice says
>Beautiful cookies and I love the name 🙂
Sudha says
>Lovely cookies, lovely clicks and I absolutely love the name:)Feels so cozy!Thanks for the fabulous recipe – will try this out for a nutty extravaganza during the Holidays!
Carolyn says
>I adore walnut cookies like this. Thanks for sharing!
Eftychia says
>I do something similar with my kourambiedes. Try to add some rum to the ingredients. I am sure you will be very happy with the result. Once again, thanks for the video…
Cassie/Bake Your Day says
>These sound perfect. And the only way that I like hot chocolate is spiked with Bailey's! 🙂
Sandra says
>What a beautiful cookies..and you are so right about presentation..adorable and perfect for gifts! Also I loved your video..nicely done! I'll give you a buzz and a stumble!:))Have a great day!!!
Lizzy says
>Fabulous cookies! And so beautiful in your tin. I make these, too, except with pecans~yummy!
Barbara Bakes says
>So great that you freeze them and have them ready to bake for guests. Such a pretty cookie.
Medeja says
>Perfect cookies for Christmas 🙂
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. says
>These are so pretty! I also love making lots of different types of cookies for the holidays! These look like little puffs of snow!
Cake says
>These sound fantastic. I love that you can freeze them ahead of time. I can see them being a big hit at a cookie swap!
Kim Bee says
>Wonderful and delicious. And pretty. Lethal combination! In a good way. Lol!
Amy says
>I love these classic cookies! Yours are beautiful, and so perfect for the Holidays!
Amalia says
>These look so delicious! I love nutty cookies 🙂 My mom and I make something similar to this but their shaped into little croissants. Great recipe, it's definitely a keeper!
Happy When Not Hungry says
>These look so yummy! Def will have to try.
Sandra says
>Yes to these melt in your mouth yummies and the spiked hot chocolate. Tis the Season!
Dulce Dough says
>What gorgeous cookies! Great tip on scooping out and freezing the dough!
Steph says
>OOoohh! I love all the pwdered sugar!! I like to blow it on my husband. LOL!! He doesn't think it's that funny. These cookies sound like the perfect holiday treat!
S.V. says
>These cookies are one of my favorites during the holidays. They look so good I could totally eat a few right now. Love the video.
Jessie says
>Oh man those look tasty and super easy. Do you think they'd freeze well?
Peggy says
>I love these cookies! Never thought to make them at home though – and I'm sure they're so much better that way =)
Kiri W. says
>Oooh, these look like they'll melt on your tongue! I love this kind of cookie, one lasts forever and they are great with coffee. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!