Learn how to make authentic Russian walnut-shaped cookies (Oreshki) with buttery shells and dulce de leche filling. This step-by-step recipe with pictures will guide you through every detail for the perfect holiday cookies.

Introduction

There’s something magical about Oreshki – Russian walnut-shaped cookies. These nostalgic little sandwich cookies are crisp on the outside, filled with silky dulce de leche, and shaped like real walnuts. They’re a must-have for holidays like Christmas and Easter and are always a hit at weddings and family gatherings.

In this guide it will show you how to make the best walnut cookies at home with detailed photos, pro tips, and variations.

👉 Need a mold? You can buy an electric Oreshki maker on Amazon or try the traditional stove top mold

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History of Oreshki – Russian Walnut Cookies

The word Oreshki means “little nuts” in Russian. These cookies first became popular in the Soviet Union during the mid-20th century, when walnut-shaped metal molds were mass-produced and sold in households across Russia, Ukraine, and other Eastern European countries.

Back then, Oreshki were a staple at holiday celebrations, birthdays, and weddings, often made in big batches to share with family and friends. The shell is crisp and buttery, resembling a walnut half, and the classic filling has always been sweet condensed milk caramel (dulce de leche) — a pantry-friendly treat beloved in Soviet kitchens.

Today, Oreshki remain a symbol of nostalgia and family tradition, passed down through generations. Each family has its twist: some add nuts to the filling, others dip them in chocolate, while some dust with powdered sugar for a festive finish.

👉 Fun fact: In many Slavic households, Oreshki molds were handed down like heirlooms, making these cookies not just a dessert, but a link to family history.

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Ingredients

• 350 g all-purpose flour
• 100 g almond flour (substitute hazelnut or walnut flour for nuttier flavor)
• 100 g powdered sugar
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 2 sticks (226 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cold egg
• 1 can dulce de leche (e.g.  Dulce de Leche)

Step-by-Step Instructions with Pictures

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. First, add the dry ingredients (flours, powdered sugar, and baking powder) to your stand mixer. Next, cut cold butter into cubes and add it in. Mix until the texture becomes crumbly.
2. Then, add the cold egg. Continue mixing until the dough comes together into a soft, non-sticky ball. At this point, the dough should feel smooth but not greasy.

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Step 2: Shape the Cookie Balls

1. After that, scoop uniform amounts of dough with a teaspoon. Then, roll each portion into a neat ball. This ensures all cookies bake evenly.

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Step 3: Bake the Cookie Shells

1. Now, preheat your walnut mold. If it isn’t non-stick, be sure to spray it with cooking spray first. Place one dough ball in each cavity. Close the mold and bake until golden brown.
2. In addition, remember that cooking time depends on your mold: stovetop molds usually take 1–2 minutes per side, whereas electric molds take about 3–4 minutes total.
3. Once baked, trim the edges with a knife for a perfect walnut shape.

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Step 5: Make the Filling

1. Meanwhile, prepare your filling. Open your can of dulce de leche and stir until smooth. For a nuttier taste, you may also add finely chopped walnuts

Step 6: Assemble the Cookies

1. Finally, it’s time to assemble! Spread a little dulce de leche inside one half, then gently press another half on top. Repeat until all cookies are filled.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

As a finishing touch, you can dust the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate. Serve them with tea or coffee — and watch them disappear quickly!

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Tips for Perfect Oreshki

• Keep the butter and egg cold for the best texture.
• Don’t overfill the mold, as the dough expands while baking.
• For variety, try Nutella, chocolate ganache, or jam instead of dulce de leche.
• Bake the shells a day ahead, then fill them just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Oreshki?
Yes, filled Oreshki can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Do I need almond flour?
It adds richness, but you can substitute with hazelnut or walnut flour for deeper flavor.

What filling variations can I try?
Nutella, chocolate ganache, or buttercream all work beautifully.

Try my 30 minute Honey Cake for another Slavic-inspired Dessert recipe .

Learn how to make homemade dulce de leche.

Buy a traditional walnut cookie mold on Amazon.

Extra Tip – Versatile Dough

My Favorite part about this Oreshki cookie dough is its versatility. In addition to the perfect walnut-shaped cookies, you can also use it as a base for other desserts:

• Mini Tarts: Press the dough into tart pans and bake for buttery tart shells. Fill with custard, jam, or cream cheese frosting.
• Cut-Out Cookies: Roll the dough and cut into festive shapes (stars, hearts, snowflakes) — they hold shape beautifully.
• Fruit Bars: Press into a pan, bake partially, then top with jam or fruit preserves for a quick cookie bar.

👉 This makes the recipe even more valuable, since with just one dough you can create multiple desserts for holidays, tea time, or dessert tables.

Conclusion

These Best Walnut Shaped Cookies (Oreshki) are crisp, buttery, and filled with creamy dulce de leche. With their nostalgic flavor and charming walnut shape, they’re guaranteed to impress at any holiday or celebration.

Try making a batch today and share the tradition with your loved ones.