Chocolate Walnut Cookies

(WTNH) -- Chef Bill makes gluten free, chocolate walnut cookies.

Flourless Chocolate Walnut Cookies

Parchment paper
2 1/2 cups walnut halves
3 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 egg whites
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Pre-heat oven to 350°, and line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper

1. Finely chop the walnuts on a cutting board, or carefully pulse-chop them in a food processor. The nuts should be chopped small, but not reduced to dust.  Transfer to a separate large sheet pan, and toast until fragrant and a bit darker in color, about 7-9 minutes. Check the nuts every two minutes, and shake the pan, to make sure they don't burn.  They can burn very quickly.  Let them cool to room temperature.
2. Sift the sugar, cocoa and salt into a bowl to remove any lumps and clumping. Whisk together to combine, and set aside until the walnuts have cooled.
3. Stir in the walnuts.   Add the egg whites and vanilla; combine  with a wooden spoon until the batter is just moistened. Do not overbeat the batter, or it will stiffen.
4. Drop batter by the teaspoonful, 2 inches apart, onto baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Bake cookies until tops are lightly cracked and glossy, about 15 minutes.
6. Remove cookies from baking sheet immediately, and place on cooling racks.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Makes approximately 40-50 cookies

NOTES: Unless you have a convection oven, you'll have to bake these cookies one tray at a time.  Also, make sure you use the parchment paper, as the cookies will stick to the pan if you don't.

For more great recipes, visit www.chefbill.com or follow him on Facebook .