Walnut Wafers are delicate, crisp cookies with a deep brown sugar flavor and a rich crunch from chopped walnuts. Originating from American home kitchens in the mid-20th century, these cookies were prized for their minimal ingredients and dramatic transformation during baking. Once baked, the thin cookies are shaped while warm and dusted with powdered sugar, creating a nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth treat that is as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup walnut meats (chopped)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- ½ tsp vanilla
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 egg (beaten)
- powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
Step 1: Mix Ingredients
- Combine brown sugar, chopped walnuts, salt, vanilla, flour, and beaten egg in a bowl in the order listed. Stir until evenly mixed.
Step 2: Drop onto Sheet
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet, spacing about 6 per sheet as they will spread.
Step 3: Bake and Shape
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes, watching closely. When lightly browned, remove from oven.
Step 4: Roll and Dust
- While still warm, use a spatula to lift each cookie and roll it gently. Toss in a bag of powdered sugar to coat.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Let cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.
Tips
- Watch closely while baking, these brown very quickly
- Use parchment instead of greasing to prevent sticking
- Space drops well apart; wafers spread significantly
- A thin metal spatula works best for rolling while warm
- Skip rolling and leave flat for crisp cookie rounds
- Toast walnuts lightly for deeper flavor
- Dust with powdered sugar only after fully cooled
- Try pecans as a substitute for walnuts
- Chill batter briefly if spreading too fast
Nutrition
Calories: 72kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.001gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 9mgPotassium: 38mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 11IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 0.3mg
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