nut rings

Rondel with walnuts: A Crunchy and Flavored Delicacy

Introduction
Have you ever thought of a dessert that brings joy in both flavor and texture? Nutty rounds are the perfect indulgence, ideal for a relaxing afternoon with a flavorful tea or as a sweet snack after a hearty meal. These delicious cookies, with an intense nutty flavor and a hint of vanilla, have a rich history and have been a beloved recipe for generations. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make!

Total cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Number of servings: about 30 rounds

Ingredients
- 200 g butter (room temperature)
- 200 g toasted sugar
- 200 g flour
- 2 eggs
- 150 g chopped and lightly toasted walnuts
- 1 phial vanilla essence
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

Preparation step by step

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by making sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature, especially the butter. This step is essential to get a fine foam. The walnuts can be lightly toasted in a frying pan over medium heat until they turn golden and release their flavor, but be careful not to burn them.

2. Beat the butter with the sugar:
In a large bowl, add the butter and toasted sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat together on medium speed until fluffy and light in color. This step will incorporate the air, making the cookies lighter.

3. Add the eggs:
Continue by adding one egg at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure the eggs are well incorporated before adding the next one. This step is crucial to get an even texture.

4. Enrich with flavorings:
Add vanilla essence, salt and grated lemon zest. These ingredients will add flavor and a fresh taste to your cookies.

5. Incorporate dry ingredients:
Sifting flour isn't just a formality, it helps to avoid clumps. Add the sifted flour to the butter and egg mixture, stirring gently with a spatula. Finally, fold in the toasted walnuts, making sure they are evenly distributed in the batter.

6. Shape into rounds:
Using a teaspoon, form small clusters from the mixture and place on a baking paper-lined tray. Make sure to leave about 3 cm between them, as they will bake.

7. Bake the cookies:
Preheat the oven to 170°C. Bake the rounds for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Don't worry if they widen during baking; this is a characteristic of their texture.

8. Cool and decorate:
Let the cookies cool on a wire rack. If you like, you can decorate them with melted chocolate for a more festive look. I chose to leave them plain to appreciate their wonderful flavor.

9. Serving:
These nutty rounds are delicious right away, but intensify their flavor after 2 days when they soften a bit due to the butter content. Serve with a cup of green tea or a creamy cappuccino for the perfect combination.

Practical tips
- Ingredient variations: You can replace the walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts, and for a hint of chocolate, add dark chocolate chunks to the batter.
- Care of ingredients: Use quality ingredients, especially butter and vanilla essence, for best results.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can keep fresh for up to a week.
- FAQ:
- Can I use margarine instead of butter? Although margarine can be used, the taste and texture will not be as rich.
- How can I make the rounds crispier? Bake them a little longer, but be careful not to burn them.

Nutritional Benefits
These cookies contain walnuts, which are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, contributing to heart health. The butter provides fat-soluble vitamins, while the sugar provides quick energy. However, eat them in moderation due to their calorie content.

These nutty rounds are not only a quick and easy dessert, but also a way to bring a little bit of joy into every day. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or just to pamper yourself, these cookies are sure to become a staple recipe in your pantry of goodies. Try them and indulge in their flavors!

 Ingredients: -200 g butter -200 g granulated sugar -200 g flour -2 eggs -150 g chopped and lightly toasted walnuts -1 vial of vanilla essence, 1 pinch of salt, 2 teaspoons of grated lemon zest