Frogs with nuts

# Tender Nut Cookies: A Delight for Carolers

If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that impresses with flavor and texture, you’ve come to the right place. These tender cookies filled with walnuts are perfect for serving to carolers or enjoying alongside a cup of fragrant tea. With a soft dough and a delicious filling, this simple recipe is sure to become your favorite. Let’s get started!

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooling time: 2 hours (ideally overnight)
- Baking time: 20 minutes
- Total: Approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes
- Number of servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients

For the dough
- 100 g lard (or butter)
- 200 g sour cream (20% fat)
- 3 egg yolks
- 330 - 350 g flour (depending on the dough consistency)
- 1 packet of vanilla
- Zest of one lemon
- 100 g soft butter for greasing the sheet

For the filling
- 3 egg whites
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 150 g ground walnuts
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)

Brief History
This cookie recipe has its origins in winter cooking traditions, when people used to prepare sweet treats for carolers. The tender dough made with lard or butter is a classic, appreciated for its slightly crunchy texture, while the walnut filling adds a touch of richness and flavor. These cookies are often associated with moments of celebration and joy, bringing family and friends together.

Step by Step: Making the Cookies

Step 1: Preparing the Dough
1. In a large bowl, combine 100 g of lard or butter with 200 g of sour cream, 3 egg yolks, 330 g of flour, vanilla, and lemon zest.
2. Mix the ingredients well using a spatula or your hands until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add flour until it becomes easy to handle.
3. Divide the dough into three equal parts and form balls. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is essential for making the dough easier to roll out.

Step 2: Rolling Out the Dough
1. After the dough has chilled, take one piece and roll it out on a floured surface into a thin rectangle.
2. Grease the sheet with 100 g of soft butter, being careful not to tear it.
3. Roll each sheet tightly, then cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours, ideally overnight. This step will help achieve a tender texture.

Step 3: Preparing the Filling
1. In a clean bowl, beat 3 egg whites until frothy.
2. Gradually add 4 tablespoons of sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a firm mixture.
3. Finally, fold in 150 g of ground walnuts with a spatula, mixing gently to avoid losing air from the egg whites.

Step 4: Shaping the Cookies
1. Remove the dough rolls from the refrigerator and cut each piece into 10-15 pieces, depending on the desired size.
2. Roll each cut piece into a rectangle, add a tablespoon of walnut filling, and twist the ends, leaving the filling visible in the middle.
3. Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Baking
1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
2. Bake the cookies for 20 minutes or until they become lightly golden.
3. After baking, let them cool on a rack and, before serving, dust them with powdered sugar.

Serving Suggestions
These tender cookies are delicious served warm or at room temperature. You can pair them with a cup of citrus tea or a glass of warm milk, which will perfectly complement the nutty flavor. Additionally, for an extra touch of flavor, try serving them with a spoonful of peach jam or strawberry preserves.

Variations and Practical Tips
- Filling variations: You can experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts. Also, adding chocolate chips or a splash of rum essence can add an interesting flavor.
- Olive oil: If you want a healthier option, you can replace lard with olive oil and sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Storing the cookies: These cookies store well in airtight containers for a few days without losing their freshness.

Nutritional Benefits
These cookies are a good source of healthy fats due to the nuts, which contain omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber. They also have a moderate calorie content, with a standard serving of 3 cookies containing approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour, but the final texture may vary.

2. How can I prevent the dough from sticking?
Make sure to use enough flour on the work surface and on the rolling pin.

3. What can I do with leftover dough?
You can turn it into cookies or make another batch of cookies, adding various fillings.

These tender walnut-filled cookies are a true delight, perfect for bringing joy and smiles to any occasion. Enjoy them with love and don’t forget to share the recipe with your loved ones! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 100 g lard (or fatty butter) 200 g sour cream 20% fat 3 egg yolks 330 - 350 g flour Vanilla Lemon zest 100 g soft butter for greasing the dough. For the filling: 3 egg whites 4 tablespoons sugar 150 g ground walnuts Powdered sugar.

 Tags:  goodies for carolers frogs with nuts dough sheet dough dough with lard dough with sour cream walnut filling pie dough