A recent story in Baking Business made the statement that nuts “provide unlimited opportunities” for creativity in baked goods. Walnuts in particular provide cookies with crunch, texture, flavor, familiarity and a versatility that adds a personal touch to everything from oatmeal raisin to chocolate chip cookies.
The crunch is especially important in cookies, as texture is key to an incredible eating experience but can be overlooked in cookie new product development in favor of flavor and aroma. With walnuts, cookie makers have the ability to impart the perfect crunch, being neither too hard nor too soft. The walnut crunch transforms ordinary cookies into irresistible baked goods that deliver a premium eating experience and a satisfying level of comfort.
Cookies have always had a perceived level of comfort, from the wafting of aromas from an oven to a quick, satisfying snack for Santa. And, in terms of comfort, not much has changed. In fact, Sally Lyons Wyatt of IRI told Baking Business that consumers are now eating cookies during any time of the day, especially during the global pandemic when many people are staying home more often.
“Most consumers sought comfort foods and nostalgia to cope with the pandemic and its related stress, but those people who always eat gluten-free or low-carb did not stop that eating behavior but merely paused it,” she said. “Producers are responding with cookies that appeal to consumer needs throughout the day, whether an indulgent pleasure or a BFY [better-for-you] cookie with health benefits.”
These made-with-walnuts cookies are a great option for consumers seeking the comfort of a premium cookie with the added nutrition benefits of walnuts.
Cranberry Walnut, Matt’s Cookies
Crunchy California walnut pieces are interwoven into these cookies, complete with cranberries and natural orange oil. Add in cinnamon and vanilla, and you have a nutty, zesty and delectable treat.
Chocolate Chip Walnut, The Empowered Cookie
Founded by pastry chef Natalia Barr, The Empowered Cookie’s lineup includes Chocolate Chip Walnut, which has grown over the past year to be a bestseller. This soft-baked, chewy, sweet cookie is made entirely of plant-based ingredients and is palm-oil-free. Additionally, the cookies are gluten- and grain-free and contain no soy, peanuts, dairy or refined sugars. They’re great for vegans and those on the paleo diet.
Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie, Levain Bakery
It’s the cookie that started it all for Levain Bakery, and now the New York City-based company has expanded into supermarket cookie sales. Signature best-seller Chocolate Chip Walnut is part of a new ready-to-bake frozen line packed with chunks of walnuts and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Cookie Bites, Fearless Keto
Keto-driven consumers who stuck to their diets during the pandemic or want to start back up again can with this made-with-walnuts lineup from Fearless Keto. Cookie Bites Chocolate Chip, Choco Fudge and Maple Butter are all made with California walnut flour.
