Walnut Eye Cookies – Recipe & Preparation Method

Walnut Eye Cookies – Recipe & Preparation Method

These delightful cookies are called Walnut Eye because their shape resembles a walnut. They are also known as Jouziya, since a whole almond or walnut is usually placed at the center.

Their taste is similar to petit fours or biscuits, making them a favorite sweet treat. They are especially popular across the Maghreb region.

What makes them even more appealing is that they are quite simple to prepare and don’t require much time or effort. They are often served during holidays, celebrations, birthdays, graduations, and all kinds of special occasions.

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Ingredients

 

For the dough:

• 4 cups white flour

• 1 cup melted vegetable shortening (or ghee)

• 1 egg

• A pinch of salt

• A small amount of orange blossom water

• White food coloring (optional)

For the filling:

• 3 cups ground peanuts or almonds (peeled)

• 1 cup sugar

• Almond flavoring (or essence)

• A small amount of orange blossom water

• Whole almonds for garnish

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Preparation Method

1. Prepare the dough:
   Place the flour in a mixing bowl, gradually add the melted shortening and egg, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, then slowly add orange blossom water while mixing until the dough comes together.

2. Rest the dough:
   Wrap the dough and refrigerate it overnight to set.

3. Make the filling:
   In another bowl, mix the ground peanuts or almonds with sugar, almond flavoring, and orange blossom water until well combined.

4. Shape the cookies:
   Roll out the chilled dough, then cut it into rectangular strips. Place a line of filling along one edge of each rectangle. On the opposite edge, press a clean hair comb (dusted with flour) to create ridges. Roll the dough starting from the filling side toward the comb-marked side to get a spiral texture.

5. Form the walnut shape:
   Join the ends together in an oval shape, leaving the center slightly open. Place a whole almond (or walnut) in the middle.

6. Bake:
   Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F). Arrange the cookies on a tray and bake until golden and cooked through.

7. Serve:
   Once baked, transfer to a serving plate. Present them to family and guests to enjoy their unique flavor.