Italian Walnut Pillow Cookies
User Reviews
4.4
Italian Walnut Pillow Cookies
Description
Italian Walnut Pillow Cookies combine a tender, soft dough with a dense, sweet walnut filling made from finely ground walnuts mixed with sugar, melted butter, and beaten egg whites. The dough is prepared by creaming sugar and shortening, then alternating flour and milk added in, ensuring a soft but manageable dough. After rolling out, the dough is spread with the nut filling, then typically folded or rolled before baking at 350°F. Once cooled, a simple icing made of powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk is applied to add a glossy, sweet finish that contrasts nicely with the rich nut filling. The filling's texture breaks down the walnuts well to avoid grittiness, creating a satisfying bite with both soft and slightly crunchy elements.
The cookies can be served as an accompaniment to coffee or tea or enjoyed as a sweet dessert treat. Their moderate sweetness and distinctive walnut flavor make them especially appealing during holidays or festive gatherings.
Based on the notes, nutritional values are measured per cookie, helping with portion control. Care in chopping or grinding walnuts finely is important to achieve the desired filling texture.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable shortening
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup milk whole, 2% or 1%
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1½ lbs. walnuts very finely chopped or ground in a food processor
- ½ cup butter melted, unsalted
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 egg lightly beaten, white
For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 4 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Make the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
- Using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream together the sugar and shortening. Add the egg and vanilla and combine well. Add in the remaining ingredients, alternating between the flour mixture and milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture and making sure all of the ingredients are well incorporated. (The dough will be soft.) Divide the dough into four even pieces, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, stir together the chopped nuts and the sugar. Add the melted butter and stir until evenly moistened. Add the egg whites and mix well until completely combined.
- Assemble the Cookies: On a well-floured surface, roll out a piece of dough into a rectangle measuring about 6 inches by 18 inches. Using an offset spatula, spread one-quarter of the nut filling onto the dough, leaving a small border around the perimeter of the dough. Roll up as you would a jelly roll, with the short ends to the left and right of you, and seal the ends. Cut the roll into 1-inch pieces and place on the prepared baking sheet cut-side-up. Repeat with the remaining pieces of dough and filling (you should be able to fit all of the cookies on two baking sheets.) Bake until the cookies are a light golden brown, about 30 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and cool completely.
- Ice the Cookies: Once the cookies are cooled, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla and milk in a small bowl. Dip the tops of the cookies into the icing and let any excess drip off. Allow the icing to set completely before storing. The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. These cookies also freeze incredibly well.
Notes
- Finely chop or grind walnuts to ensure a smooth filling texture without coarse bits.
- Divide the dough into portions and chill to make rolling easier and to help shape the cookies.
- The nutritional values provided apply to one cookie, useful for dietary tracking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 72cookies
Amount Per Serving
Calories 171 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 171kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 17g | 6% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 6mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 22mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 81mg | 2% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 50IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 26mg | 3% |
| Iron | 0.7mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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