Name: Delicate nut cookies with chocolate
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 35
Ingredients: 120 g butter (soft); 50 g granulated sugar; pinch of salt; 1 packet of vanilla sugar (5 g); 3 egg yolks; 200 g plain flour; ¾ teaspoon baking powder; halves of walnuts (approx. 35–40 pieces); 3 egg whites; 140 g granulated sugar; 1 packet of vanilla sugar (5 g); pinch of citric acid (helps to whip a firmer meringue); good quality dark chocolate for coating

Prepare the dough In a bowl, cream the butter with the sugar, vanilla sugar and a pinch of salt until creamy. Stir in the egg yolks and then sift in the plain flour with the baking powder. Work into a soft, smooth dough and let it rest in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes.

Whip the nut meringue Whip the egg whites with a pinch of citric acid into stiff peaks. Gradually add the sugar and vanilla sugar until a smooth, glossy and very firm meringue forms.

Shape the cookies Divide the dough into small pieces and shape mini cups or patties. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press a half walnut into the center of each cookie. Pipe a meringue cap on top using a piping bag with a tip.