Cookies with nuts and coffee

Nut and Coffee Cookies – A Sweet Delight for the Holidays

Merry Christmas to everyone! It’s the season of joy and culinary delights, and today I will share a recipe for nut and coffee cookies that will transform any holiday table into a memorable experience. These cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds, but also a symbol of warmth and family reunions, bringing us together during this special time. Let’s begin our culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 30 cookies

Necessary ingredients:
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 200 g ground nuts
- 150 g sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee
- 3 teaspoons warm water
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 230-250 g flour
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- 1 tablespoon grated orange peel

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure your surroundings are tidy and that you have all the ingredients at hand. It’s essential for the butter to be at room temperature; this way, it will mix much easier and become creamy. If you want a more intense coffee flavor, you can also use freshly ground coffee, but be careful with the amount so as not to overpower the other flavors.

2. Mixing butter and sugar: In a large bowl, add the butter and 150 g of sugar. Mix them together until the mixture becomes a light and fluffy foam. This step is crucial, as the incorporated air will make the cookies fluffier.

3. Adding the egg yolks: Incorporate the two egg yolks, mixing well after each addition. They will give a soft and moist texture to the cookies.

4. Preparing the coffee: Dissolve the two teaspoons of instant coffee in the three teaspoons of warm water. Add the coffee mixture to the bowl with butter and sugar, stirring gently to fully integrate it.

5. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Sift the flour into another bowl and add the baking powder, cocoa, and 60 g of ground nuts. These ingredients will give a rich flavor to the cookies. Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet composition, mixing with a spatula or by hand until you obtain a homogeneous and easy-to-shape dough.

6. Flavoring the dough: Add the grated orange peel, rum essence, and vanilla bean powdered sugar, then gently knead the dough to incorporate them. The orange aroma will provide a delicious contrast to the bitter taste of the coffee, bringing a touch of freshness.

7. Shaping the cookies: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare a baking tray by greasing it with margarine and lining it with parchment paper. Form small balls from the dough, each the size of a walnut, and dip the top in the remaining ground nuts. Place them on the tray, leaving space between them, as they will expand during baking.

8. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the cookies bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they become lightly golden. Check them at 20 minutes, as each oven may bake differently.

9. Cooling and storing: Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a rack. After they have completely cooled, you can store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.

10. Serving and combinations: These nut and coffee cookies are perfect to be served alongside a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. They can also be given as a sweet gift to loved ones, beautifully wrapped in colorful boxes.

Useful tips:
- If you want a variation of flavors, try adding a few drops of almond or cinnamon essence to the dough.
- For a crunchier texture, bake the cookies a little longer, but be careful not to burn them.
- You can also use finely chopped dark or white chocolate, adding it to the dough for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional benefits: These cookies are rich in healthy fats from nuts, which contain essential fatty acids and proteins. Additionally, coffee has antioxidant effects and can help improve mood.

Calories: Approximately 80 calories per cookie (depending on size and ingredients used).

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace butter with margarine? Yes, but the taste will be different. Butter provides a richer flavor.
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the recipe may require adjustments in liquid, as whole wheat flour absorbs more water.

I hope you will try this recipe and add these nut and coffee cookies to your holiday traditions. May every bite be filled with joy and warmth! Enjoy!