Russian Walnut Cookies (Oreshki)

In a large bowl, combine the unsalted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

Using a hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar mixture until well combined.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing with the hand mixer after each addition until fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, measure out the all-purpose flour and add the baking powder.

Sift the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.

Combine the ingredients with your hands to form a dough, then knead it briefly on the counter until smooth.

Pinch off small, hazelnut-sized pieces of dough and roll them into balls.

Preheat a walnut cookie mold (oreshnitsa) on the stovetop over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium.

Place one dough ball into each cavity of the hot mold.

Close the mold and cook for about one minute on the first side.

Flip the mold and cook on the other side until the cookie shells are golden brown.

Carefully remove the baked cookie shells from the mold. Repeat the process with the remaining dough.

Once the shells have cooled, use a small spoon to fill each half with dulce de leche.

Press two filled halves together to form a complete walnut-shaped cookie.

Dust the finished cookies with powdered sugar before serving.