Ciasteczka orzeszki (chahss-TETCH-kah aw-ZHESH-kee) is a typical Polish walnut-shaped cookie. These cookies are formed in molds and then sandwiched with creamy fillings. There are several varieties available. These include individual walnut-shaped oven molds and waffle iron-like molds that are baked over the stove.
What never changes is the delicious filling, which is typically combined with finely powdered walnuts and made of cream, chocolate, or a combination of the two. It takes some time to make the cookies, but it’s worth it. For optimal flavor, store the walnut “shells” and fill right before serving.
If you’d like, you can double this recipe.
Ingredients:
Dough:
- 4 ounces (8 tablespoons) softened unsalted butter
- one-eighth teaspoon of salt
- one-third cup sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- One tsp vanilla essence
- One big egg, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup of flour for all purposes
First Filling:
- one tsp cocoa
- One tsp dark rum
- One cup jam made of apricots
- 3/4 cup of ground, not chopped walnuts
- One tablespoon of milk
Second Filling:
- 4 ounces (8 tablespoons) softened unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- One shot of vodka
- Seven ounces of ground, not chopped, walnuts
- As needed, add milk to create a wet filling.
Procedure for Making the Dough:
Assemble the components.
Beat together unsalted butter, salt, sugar, vanilla, confectioners’ sugar, and big egg in a large bowl. Mix in all-purpose flour until thoroughly mixed. After 30 minutes, chill wrapped in plastic.
Set oven temperature to 375 F. Avoid greasing molds for walnuts. Press a half-teaspoon of dough into the molds’ bottom and up their sides. (To avoid sticking, dip the finger you use to press the dough into the mold in flour.)
After filling the molds, place them on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies start to brown. After a brief cooling period, remove the molds by tapping. Continue until all of the dough is used.
To avoid them getting soggy, it’s a good idea to keep the “shells” in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve and then fill right before.
To Prepare the Fillings:
Depending on the filling you want to prepare, gather the components.
For both fillings, combine all the ingredients in separate dishes, or use premade nut or almond paste fillings or preserves. After covering half of the walnut-shaped cookies with one spoonful of filling, place the other biscuit on top. If desired, dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Present and Enjoy!
