We’ve had a few snowy days recently and it’s the sort of weather that makes me want to bake. Not that I don’t like snow, but it has been a bit too cold to have the kids (and me) out for too long. And our kitchen gets so cold, having the oven on helps warm it up too. A great excuse, right? I’ve been thinking recently about foods for Nowruz, and I came across lots of tasty-looking cookies, including these Persian walnut cookies, nan-e gerdui. I definitely wasn’t disappointed with my choice, these are so good.
A Nowruz treat
These Persian walnut cookies have so much going for them. First of all, they’re easy to make, only four ingredients and naturally gluten free. Then when you try them they are deliciously sweet and nutty as you might expect, but also have a lovely combination of a dry, almost crisp outside and slightly chewy middle. They are one of a number of cookies that are traditionally made for Nowruz, the Persian New Year. As I found out in this article, apparently legend has it that King Jamshid discovered sugar on Nowruz, so cookies and candies have become a common part of the celebration. Plus the word candy actually comes from the Persian word for sugar, qand.
Just as many Americans tend to cook many different Christmas cookies, those who celebrate Nowruz will often cook a few different Persian cookies. Many, like these walnut cookies are pretty simple using nuts or other non-wheat flours (eg chickpea, rice), eggs, sugar and a spice or two. Since we liked these so much, I think I’m going to have to try some of the others in due course. I’m also working on some recipes for some savory Norwuz recipes, to go with the dolmeh barge mo I already shared.
How they’re made
As with most traditional recipes, these walnut cookies have a few variations. Some flavor with vanilla, others cardamon Some grind the walnuts finely, others use pieces. I have gone with a fairly simple version where you grind the walnuts in a food processor. Separately, you whisk together the sugar, egg yolks and vanilla then add the ground walnuts. Scoop the mixture in teaspoonfuls onto a baking sheet then top with chunks of walnut. Bake then let them cool before diving in. See this video to walk you through it:
These Persian walnut cookies are easy to make and such a delicious mix of nuttiness, a dry outside and slightly chewy middle. A wonderful treat for any occasion.
Persian walnut cookies (Nan-e gerdui)
These Persian walnut cookies are very easy to make but taste delicious. Traditionally eaten for Nowruz, they would be perfect any time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnut pieces 130g
- 2 egg yolks
- 3 tbsp sugar 40g
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- a few walnut pieces to top
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 300F/150C and line a large baking sheet.
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Pulse the walnuts in a food processor until they're coarsely ground.
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Whisk together the egg yolks, sugar and vanilla for a few minutes until the mixture becomes paler and almost creamy.
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Mix in the ground walnuts and stir until well combined.
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Take small spoonfuls (heaped teaspoonfuls) of the mixture and put on a baking sheet, with around 1in/2.5cm or more between them. Smooth off the pieces of dough so they are fairly round and gently press a piece of walnut into the top of each cookie.
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Bake for approx 15min until lightly brown. Leave them to cool on the baking sheet a few minutes as they will be a little soft.
Try these other delicious international cookies:
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- kleicha (Iraqi date cookies)
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- Brunkager Danish Christmas cookies
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- German hazelnut Christmas cookies
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These look fabulous. And only four ingredients! I will be trying them.
They are so good, and easy too – hope you enjoy!
Awesome!
oh yes please and how can something so simple taste so great, thank you
Thanks Beverly, I know what you mean, but often simple is best!
Really, these cookies look so scrumptious! I enjoyed watching the video too
Thanks Hadia, they really are good!
Love the look of these and such a simple recipe too ♥
Thanks Doreen, I agree simple but delicious.
I have a Persian friend, I have to make these for him, I am always trying to impress him!! This is perfect!!! YUM!!
Sounds perfect, I agree! Hope you both enjoy.
These look great…I might need to try them without the nuts so that I don’t kill poor Bob, but I think I could really do a lot with this simple recipe!
Hmm, allergies are tough, but I’m sure you could use the same general base with other things.
Hi! I’m excited to try these cookies since my husband is Persian and he’s been craving for some Persian sweets. Question though, do you use granulated white sugar or powdered sugar for this recipe? Thanks!
Perfect, I hope these live up to what he remembers! So I used regular granulated sugar in the US, but I know in the UK the ‘normal’ granulated sugar is not that fine. You might need to look for fine sugar if the what you would normally have is not that fine to blend better, but I wouldn’t suggest powdered sugar as you do still want a bit of texture. Hope you all enjoy!