Chinese Walnut Cookies

Walnut cookies
Lisbeth Hjort/Getty Images
  • 30 mins
  • Prep: 15 mins,
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yield: 40-45 cookies (20 servings)
Ratings (4)

By Rhonda Parkinson

Updated 12/22/17

This incredibly easy recipe for Chinese Walnut Cookies is sure to delight anyone you serve them too, whether for Chinese New Year, as an alternative to standard Christmas cookie options, or just as a special treat. These are a traditional Chinese treat during the holidays. Pre-toasting the walnuts for this recipe is simple and easy as well.

What You'll Need

  • 2 cups flour (all-purpose)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup/1 stick butter (softened)
  • 1/2 cup shortening (vegetable)
  • 2/3 cup sugar (white)
  • 1/3 cup sugar (brown)
  • 2 medium eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/3 - 1/2 cup walnuts (halves or large pieces, toasted, finely chopped)
  • Optional: 1 egg (lightly beaten)

How to Make It

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (162.5 degrees Celsius).
  2. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt into a medium bowl.
  3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter or margarine, shortening, and white and brown sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until well blended. Stir in the toasted walnuts.
  4. Stir in the flour mixture and mix well. Use your fingers to shape the flour mixture into a log-shaped dough. Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours.
  1. Cut off a chunk of cookie dough (approximately 1 tablespoon, about the size of a golf ball) and form into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place on a lightly greased cookie tray, approximately 2 inches apart. Press a walnut half into the middle of each cookie. Brush around the walnut with the egg wash if using.
  2. Bake the cookies at 325 degrees for about 15 - 17 minutes, or until golden brown. When thoroughly cooled, store in a sealed container. 
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
Calories 183
Total Fat 13 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Unsaturated Fat 5 g
Cholesterol 59 mg
Sodium 144 mg
Carbohydrates 14 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Protein 2 g
(The nutrition information on our recipes is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. Individual results may vary.)