Chocolate and nut cookies

Chocolate and nut cookies – a delicacy that perfectly combines the intense flavors of chocolate with the crunch of nuts and a hint of sweetness. These cookies are ideal for any occasion, whether you're preparing them for a party, an after-school treat, or simply to indulge yourself on the weekend. Plus, they are easy to make and will make you feel like a true master chef. Let's discover together how to prepare them step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including refrigeration time)
Number of servings: Approximately 24 cookies

Ingredients:

For the cookies:
- 200 g butter (or margarine)
- 150 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 200 g flour
- 40 g cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 50 g shredded coconut

For the glaze:
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 100 g dark chocolate (or milk chocolate, according to preference)
- Approximately 45 walnut halves

Recipe history:
Chocolate cookies have a long tradition in international cuisine, being appreciated for their savory taste and crunchy texture. Over time, they have evolved from simple homemade cookies to sophisticated delicacies enriched with various ingredients. The addition of nuts and coconut brings an extra flavor and an interesting texture, turning these cookies into a true feast for the taste buds.

Step by step to achieve perfect cookies:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature. The butter should be soft to mix easily with the sugar. If using margarine, check that it is suitable for baking for the best results.

2. Beating the butter:
In a large bowl, add the soft butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy. This important step will ensure the dough is aerated, leading to fluffier cookies.

3. Adding the egg and vanilla:
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue mixing until the ingredients are completely incorporated. The vanilla will add a wonderful aroma to the cookies, so don’t skip it!

4. Mixing the dry ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mixture of dry ingredients will contribute to the texture and flavor of the cookies. Sifting these ingredients together helps to homogenize them.

5. Combining the ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture over the butter composition, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure not to overmix, just until the ingredients are well combined. At this point, also add the shredded coconut, mixing gently.

6. Refrigerating the dough:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This step is essential to achieve cookies with a perfect texture, as it firms up the dough and prevents it from spreading during baking.

7. Forming the balls:
After the dough has cooled, preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat). Using a spoon, take portions of dough and form balls about 2-3 cm in diameter. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to allow for expansion.

8. Baking:
Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes or until they feel firm to the touch. Do not leave them too long, as they will continue to bake after you take them out of the oven.

9. Cooling:
Once the cookies are ready, let them cool on a cooling rack. This step is important to prevent them from breaking during glazing.

10. Preparing the glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar, bringing them to a boil over low heat. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves. As soon as the sugar has melted, add the chopped chocolate and stir well until a smooth and glossy mixture is obtained.

11. Glazing the cookies:
Working quickly, pour the chocolate glaze over each cookie, ensuring that you evenly cover the top. Decorate each cookie with a walnut half, pressing gently to adhere.

Serving suggestions:
These chocolate and nut cookies are delicious served warm, but can also be enjoyed after they have completely cooled. They pair excellently with a cup of aromatic coffee or a citrus tea, which will enhance the chocolate flavor. Additionally, for an unforgettable experience, you can combine them with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use another type of nut?
Yes, you can replace the walnuts with hazelnuts, almonds, or even pistachios to add a personal touch to the recipe.

- How can I adapt the recipe for a vegan version?
You can replace the butter with vegan margarine and the egg with a chia 'egg' (1 tablespoon of chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, left to sit for 15 minutes).

- How long do the cookies last?
These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Nutritional benefits:
Chocolate and nut cookies are not only delicious but also offer nutritional benefits. Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, while dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which can support cardiovascular health. When consumed in moderation, this dessert can be a satisfying choice to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising health.

So, I invite you to try this delicious recipe for chocolate and nut cookies, enjoy every bite, and share with your loved ones! Don't forget to experiment and add your personal touch, as cooking is an art that improves with every recipe. Enjoy your meal!