These Walnut Cookies, also known as Oreshki or Gorishki, are a beloved childhood treat for many. With their crumbly, buttery texture and rich creamy filling of dulce de leche, they’re irresistibly delicious. The unique walnut shape comes from a special mold, and once you bite into them, the soft, gooey filling combined with the crisp, buttery cookie will make every bite a treat. They’re perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a delightful, nostalgic dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oreshki are the ultimate comfort food. They combine a buttery, slightly crumbly texture with a sweet, smooth filling, creating a satisfying balance of flavors. The fun part is using an Oreshnitsa mold to create the walnut-shaped cookies, which adds a special touch to the baking process. Despite taking a bit of time to prepare, the recipe is fairly simple, and the results are well worth the effort. Whether you’re familiar with this Russian treat or discovering it for the first time, these cookies are sure to win over your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the Dough:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
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1/2 cup margarine (room temperature)
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3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup sugar
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3 large eggs
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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2 tsp baking powder
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For the Filling:
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28 oz dulce de leche
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(Tip: You can find dulce de leche in most grocery stores or make it yourself by simmering sweetened condensed milk.)
How to Make Walnut Cookies (Oreshki)
1. Prepare the Dough:
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In a large bowl, mix together the flour and sugar.
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Add the butter and margarine into the flour-sugar mixture. Use a handheld mixer to combine everything until the mixture is smooth and even in consistency.
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Make a small hole in the center of the mixture and add the eggs, mayonnaise, and baking powder. Beat everything together until it forms a soft and slightly sticky dough.
2. Shape the Cookies:
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Once your dough is ready, break off small pieces and place them inside the molds of your Oreshnitsa (a traditional walnut-shaped mold used for Oreshki cookies). Make sure the dough fills the mold evenly.
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If using a stove-top mold, cook the dough until it’s golden brown, which should take about 1½ to 3 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the mold.
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Flip the mold over to cook the other side, ensuring both sides are golden and crisp. (Refer to the specific instructions on your Oreshnitsa for best results.)
3. Cool the Cookies:
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Once the cookies are golden brown, let them cool on a wire rack.
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Carefully break off any excess dough that might have seeped out of the molds while cooking.
4. Assemble the Cookies:
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Once the cookies are fully cooled, take one half of each cookie and fill it with dulce de leche. You can use a spoon to place a generous amount of filling.
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Take another cookie half and press it gently on top to create the classic walnut shape. Repeat for the rest of the cookies.
5. Serve:
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Once assembled, your Oreshki are ready to enjoy! These cookies are best served fresh, but they can be stored for up to a week in an airtight container.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 50 cookies
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Prep Time: 50 minutes
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Cook Time: 50 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Variations
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Nutty Twist: Add some finely chopped walnuts or hazelnuts to the dough for an extra nutty flavor.
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Chocolate Filling: If you’re craving a chocolate twist, swap out the dulce de leche for a rich chocolate ganache or Nutella.
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Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the creamy filling.
Storage and Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover Oreshki in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer shelf life, refrigerate them.
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Reheating: To refresh the cookies, place them in a warm oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the cookies too soft.
FAQs
Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of an Oreshnitsa mold?
While an Oreshnitsa mold is traditionally used for its unique walnut shape, you can substitute a muffin tin or mini muffin pan to create a different shape. Just ensure the dough is evenly distributed and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Can I make these cookies without the mayonnaise?
While the mayonnaise contributes to the soft texture of the dough, you can substitute it with an equal amount of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a similar effect.
Can I freeze Oreshki?
Yes, you can freeze the baked and filled cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Conclusion
These Walnut Cookies (Oreshki/Gorishki) are the perfect blend of crumbly pastry and sweet, creamy filling. With their rich, indulgent flavor and fun walnut shape, they are sure to become a favorite dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them with your family or sharing them with friends, these cookies offer the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making them a timeless treat that’s easy to love. Enjoy making this delicious Russian classic!
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Walnut Cookies (Oreshki/Gorishki) – A Traditional Russian Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 50 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Oreshki (or Gorishki) are traditional Russian walnut-shaped cookies, with a buttery, crumbly texture and a rich, creamy dulce de leche filling. These delightful cookies are a nostalgic treat, perfect for sharing during the holidays or special occasions. The combination of crunchy cookie and sweet filling makes them utterly irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup margarine, room temperature
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons baking powder
For the Filling:
28 oz dulce de leche
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
In a bowl, mix together the flour and sugar.
Add in the butter and margarine. Use a handheld mixer to combine until the mixture has a smooth, even consistency.
Create a well in the middle of the flour mixture. Add the eggs, mayonnaise, and baking powder into the well.
Use the handheld mixer to beat everything together until the dough is soft, a little sticky, and well combined.
Shape the Cookies:
Place small pieces of dough inside each metal form of an Oreshki mold.
On the stovetop, cook each side of the molds until golden brown. Depending on the thickness of your mold, each side may take 1½ to 3 minutes. Be sure to check the instructions on your specific Oreshki mold for best results.
Once done, flip the mold over and cook the other side.
Cool and Assemble:
Let the cookies cool. Then, carefully break off the excess dough that seeped out of the molds and cooked to the inside of the pan.
Fill each mold with a generous amount of dulce de leche.
Place another mold on top to form the classic walnut shape.
Notes
Mayonnaise in Dough: The addition of mayonnaise makes the dough tender and soft, contributing to the crumbly texture of the cookies.
Molds: If you don’t have an Oreshki mold, you can look for a special “Oreshnitsa” or use other similar molds designed for making these cookies.
Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container. They’ll last for up to a week at room temperature, but they are best enjoyed fresh.
Substitute for Dulce de Leche: If you can’t find dulce de leche, you can make your own or substitute with caramel sauce for a similar taste.
- Prep Time: 50 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Russian
