Walnut Crescents
Try this Walnut Crescents recipe.
Try this Walnut Crescents recipe.
- Carbohydrate 7.0007618422022 g
- Cholesterol 12.2012500103143 mg
- Fat 4.69446017067368 g
- Fiber 0.275903337821036 g
- Protein 0.977563001222193 g
- Saturated Fat 2.92970379414937 g
- Serving Size 1 1 cookie (15g)
- Sodium 151.755616846008 mg
- Sugar 6.72485850438116 g
- Trans Fat 0.352466491977287 g
- Calories 74 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, ricotta, and salt with hand held mixer until smooth.
- Gradually add flour on low speed until combined. Dough will be very crumbly.
- Using your hands, form the dough into a ball. Cover and refrigerate for no more than 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 375F. Lightly spray baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a square, until ½-inch thick (it does not have to be a perfect square).
- Trim the uneven edges with scissors or a knife.
- Cut the dough into 3-inch wide strips and then cut the strips into 3-inch squares.
- You can use a rolling pin to even out the individual dough squares if you find them imperfect or thicker than you want.
- In a small bowl, combine the walnuts, sugar, peach preserves, orange zest, and cinnamon.
- Spoon 1 rounded teaspoon of the filling into the center of each square. (If you find you have leftover filling, go back and fill in the squares with the rest of the filling.)
- Fold two opposite corners to the center, overlapping and pressing to seal (moisten the tips of dough with water to seal, if necessary).
- Place on the prepared cookie sheet, curving slightly into crescents.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon water until frothy; brush cookies lightly with egg mixture.
- Sprinkle with raw cane sugar (optional).
- Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Walnut Crescents: A Little Slice of Heaven
As a busy working mom, finding time to bake is a luxury, not a given. But sometimes, the craving for something sweet and comforting hits just right, and that's where these Walnut Crescents come in. They’re the perfect blend of nutty, sweet, and subtly spicy – a treat that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to whip up, even on a weeknight.
The recipe itself is wonderfully adaptable. I've found that using whole milk ricotta gives the crescents a lovely, slightly tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the peach preserves perfectly. The walnuts add a fantastic crunch, and a touch of orange zest brings a bright, zesty note that cuts through the richness. Don’t be afraid to experiment! If you're not a fan of peach preserves, try apricot or even a good quality raspberry jam. The possibilities are endless.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The dough comes together quickly, and the filling is just as easy to prepare. The crescent shape is charming, but even if yours aren't perfectly uniform, trust me, nobody will mind. The taste is simply irresistible! I often double the recipe, especially during the holidays, and they make wonderful gifts for neighbors and friends.
The aroma that fills your kitchen as these bake is intoxicating. It's the kind of scent that conjures up cozy evenings, warm hugs, and happy memories. These cookies are not just a dessert; they're an experience. They're a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. And that, my friends, is the magic of baking.
Beyond the baking, this recipe is a reminder to embrace imperfection. Life is rarely a perfectly formed square; it's often a bit messy and uneven at the edges. But just like these crescents, those imperfections add to the charm. They make the experience unique, memorable, and authentically you.
So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some happiness. These Walnut Crescents are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a wonderful way to bring a little joy into your life (and the lives of those you share them with!).
Tips and Tricks:
- Toasting the walnuts: Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor considerably. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Room temperature butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best results. This will ensure that it blends smoothly into the dough.
- Don't overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. Slightly underbaked crescents will be softer and chewier, while overbaked ones can be dry.
- Storage: Store your cooled Walnut Crescents in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze beautifully!
Baking these Walnut Crescents is more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating a moment of joy and sharing it with loved ones. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things in life are the most rewarding.
Happy baking!
