Ingredients
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1 lb butter, softened (no substitutes)
11 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 large egg yolks
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
FILLING
4 cups ground walnuts (about 1 pound)
5 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar, divided
4 large egg whites
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Preparation
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In a mixing bowl, combine butter, cream cheese, egg yolks and flour; beat until smooth.
Shape into 1-inch balls; place in a container with waxed paper separating each layer.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
FOR THE FILLING, combine walnuts and 3 3/4 cups sugar (the mixture will be dry).
In a small mixing bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form; fold into nut mixture.
Add extracts and a few drops of water if necessary until filling reaches a spreading consistency.
Place remaining sugar in a bowl; roll cream cheese balls in sugar until completely covered.
Place a few balls at a time between two sheets of waxed paper.
Roll balls into 2 1/2-inch circles.
Gently spread about 2 teaspoons of filling over each.
Roll up; place seam side down on ungreased baking sheets.
Curve the ends slightly.
Bake at 350\u00b0F for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cool on wire racks.
Yield: about 8 dozen.
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