Hungarian Christmas Walnut Cookies (Hókifli) 🇭🇺

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Pinch of salt

For the Walnut Filling

• 1 cup (100 g) finely ground walnuts
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Coating

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the egg yolk, sour cream, and sugar.
4. Mix until a soft dough forms.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Prepare the Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix the ground walnuts and sugar.
2. Add the milk and vanilla extract.
3. Stir until a thick, spreadable filling forms.

Shape the Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thickness.
3. Cut into small squares, about 2 inches (5 cm).
4. Place a small amount of walnut filling in the center of each square.
5. Roll up and gently curve into crescent shapes.

Bake

1. Arrange the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden on the bottom.
3. Do not overbake; the cookies should remain pale.

Finish

1. While still warm, generously coat the cookies with powdered sugar.
2. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Prep Time

25 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Chill Time

1 hour

Total Time

1 hour 40 minutes

Servings

24 cookies