These traditional Romanian Walnut Crescent Cookies (Cornulete cu Nuca) are soft, melt-in-your-mouth treats made with ground walnuts, butter, and a hint of vanilla and lemon zest. Perfectly crumbly and lightly dusted with powdered sugar, they pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or mulled wine.
Ingredients
- 100 g walnuts (finely ground)
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 250 g flour
- 200 g butter (softened)
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp vanilla essence
- Zest of 1 lemon
- A pinch of salt
- Extra powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Grind the walnuts into a fine powder using a food processor or blender.
Make the Dough
- In a food processor (or mixing bowl), combine ground walnuts, powdered sugar, softened butter, egg, lemon zest, vanilla essence, and salt.
- Mix until fully incorporated.
- Add flour all at once and mix briefly (no more than 2 minutes) to prevent the dough from becoming too hard.
Chill the Dough
- Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Shape the Crescents
- Let the dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping.
- Take small portions of dough and roll them into crescent shapes.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Bake the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Final Touch
- Allow cookies to cool completely.
- Generously dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Romanian Walnut Crescent Cookies, known as Cornulete cu Nuca, are a beloved traditional treat, cherished for their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich nutty flavor. These cookies have been passed down through generations, often baked for holidays, special occasions, or simply as a comforting homemade delight.
