Grandma’s Traditional Walnut Cookies – A Holiday Favorite

A Sweet Family Tradition

Every family has that one dessert that instantly brings back the feeling of childhood Christmas mornings - the sound of laughter, the glow of the tree lights, and the comfort of knowing something delicious is baking in the oven.

For us, that dessert is Walnut Cookies, the delicate walnut-shaped cookies filled with creamy chocolate filling. They are one of the oldest and most beloved Christmas cookies in many Central European homes - little bites of nostalgia that symbolize togetherness and warmth.

When I was little, I would sit beside my grandmother as she carefully filled each tiny metal mold with chocolate-colored dough. The molds were old, slightly dented from years of use, but to me, they looked like tiny treasures. I would wait impatiently for the cookies to bake, just to pop one warm shell into my mouth when no one was watching. Of course, Grandma always noticed - but she only smiled and said, “Christmas magic tastes better when shared.”

Now, years later, I continue that same tradition with my own family. Every December, we gather around the kitchen table, roll out the dough, prepare the cream, and fill the molds together. The scent of butter, cocoa, and toasted walnuts fills the air, wrapping the whole house in that familiar, cozy feeling that only Christmas can bring.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 320 g all-purpose flour

• 120 g finely ground walnuts

• 100 g sugar

• 250 g butter (room temperature)

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

For the filling (cream):

• 3 eggs

• 150 g sugar

• 150 g butter (room temperature)

• About 100 g chocolate (dark or milk, depending on your taste)

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough

Combine the flour, ground walnuts, sugar, cocoa powder, and butter in a large bowl. Gently knead until the dough comes together - soft, smooth, and easy to shape. Don’t overwork it, as that can make the cookies tough.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the butter firm up, making it easier to handle and ensuring that the cookies keep their perfect shape during baking.

While the dough is resting, prepare your walnut-shaped molds. Lightly grease each one with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking. If you use silicone molds, you can skip the greasing step - they release easily once the cookies cool.

2. Bake the shells

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Press small pieces of dough into each mold, filling it all the way to the top and pressing lightly so it takes the walnut shape. Arrange the filled molds on a baking tray and bake for 10–13 minutes.

You’ll know they’re done when the edges start to firm up and the dough feels set. Don’t let them get too dark - the goal is a soft texture that will hold the creamy filling perfectly.

Once baked, allow them to cool completely. When cool, gently tap the molds to release the cookie shells. They should slide out easily if properly greased and floured.

3. Make the filling

While the shells cool, prepare the rich chocolate cream.

In a heatproof bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) and cook for about 20 minutes, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes pale and creamy.

Near the end, add the chocolate and stir until fully melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Once cooled, beat in the softened butter until light and fluffy. You’ll get a smooth, silky filling with a rich chocolate flavor and buttery finish - exactly what makes these cookies so irresistible.

4. Assemble the cookies

Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill one half of each cookie shell with the chocolate cream. Press another shell gently on top to form a whole “walnut.”

Continue until all the shells are filled and paired. You’ll get about 30–35 cookies, depending on mold size.

Let the cookies rest for a few hours, ideally overnight, so the flavors blend and the shells soften slightly. The next day, they’ll be tender, aromatic, and perfect with a cup of tea, coffee, or warm cocoa.

If you’d like, dust them lightly with powdered sugar before serving for that extra Christmas sparkle.

Food Safety Tip – Safe and Sweet Holidays

During the holidays, we tend to spend long hours in the kitchen preparing large amounts of food - and it’s easy to forget that safety is as important as taste.

Here are a few quick tips to keep your baking joyful and safe:

1. Handle eggs carefully – Since the filling is cooked on a double boiler, make sure the mixture reaches a safe temperature and that the eggs are fresh.

2. Keep ingredients cool – Butter and eggs should be refrigerated until you’re ready to use them.

3. Clean as you go – Wash utensils and surfaces between steps to avoid cross-contamination, especially when working with raw ingredients.

4. Store properly – Keep cream-filled cookies in an airtight container in a cool place, ideally the fridge, and consume them within 5–7 days.

5. Mind the little helpers – If children are helping (as they often love to during Christmas!), keep them away from hot ovens and melted chocolate. Let them shape the dough or decorate instead — safe and fun!

With just a few mindful steps, you can ensure every batch of cookies brings nothing but joy and comfort to your family and guests.

Why We Love Walnut Cookies  

There’s something so simple yet special about these cookies. They’re not flashy or complicated - but every bite carries a story.

The crisp cocoa shell gives way to a smooth, buttery filling, rich with the flavor of chocolate and walnuts. They melt on the tongue and pair beautifully with everything from morning coffee to a glass of mulled wine.

In our home, they’re also a symbol of togetherness. Everyone has a role - one person shapes the dough, another watches the oven, someone stirs the cream, and someone else sneaks the first warm cookie when nobody’s looking. These are the small rituals that make the holidays magical.

If you’ve never tried Oraščići before, this Christmas might be the perfect time to start a new tradition. Once you bake them once, they’ll earn a permanent spot on your holiday table.

Storage and Serving

After filling, store the cookies in a cool, airtight container. If your home is warm, keep them in the fridge to preserve the cream’s texture.

These cookies taste even better the next day - the flavors settle, and the shells soften slightly from the filling, creating that perfect melt-in-your-mouth balance.

Serve them with coffee, tea, or as part of a Christmas cookie platter alongside other favorites like vanilla crescents, gingerbread, or rum balls.

For gifting, pack them in small decorative boxes or tins lined with parchment paper. Add a ribbon and a handwritten note a simple, homemade gift that always brings smiles.

Baking Walnut Cookies isn’t just about making cookies - it’s about slowing down, sharing time with the people you love, and passing down a piece of family history.

Every Christmas, as I fill the molds and stir the cream, I’m reminded that recipes like this connect generations. They carry memories, laughter, and that unmistakable warmth that defines the season.

So, as you bake your holiday treats this year, take a moment to enjoy the process. Keep your kitchen clean, your ingredients fresh, and your heart open. Because Christmas isn’t just about the food on the table - it’s about the love that goes into every bite.

Wishing you a safe, sweet, and joyful Christmas season!