Cookies with nuts

Nut Cookies – a crunchy and flavorful delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rest time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Number of servings: 20 cookies

Who doesn’t love a freshly baked cookie that melts in your mouth? Nut cookies are a perfect dessert for any occasion, bringing a touch of warmth and comfort in every bite. These cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make, making them ideal for beginners and beyond. Let’s discover together how to prepare them!

A brief history

Cookies have a rich history, with origins that date back to ancient times. These treats were originally designed as a way to preserve food and make it easier to transport. Over the years, cookie recipes have diversified, with each culture contributing unique touches. Nut cookies are among the most cherished, thanks to their crunchy texture and rich flavors.

Ingredients

- 150 g Rama margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- 100 g sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 250 g flour
- 50-60 g ground nuts
- 2 tablespoons of rum essence
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- a pinch of salt

Helpful tips about ingredients

1. Margarine vs. Butter: While the recipe uses margarine, butter can add a more intense flavor and better texture. Choose the option you prefer.
2. Nuts: Use fresh and ground nuts just before use to preserve their aroma and nutrients. If you wish, you can also add other types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts.
3. Sugar: Brown sugar can add a caramelization note and a deeper flavor to the cookies.

Preparation technique

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the margarine and sugar. Use a mixer or spatula to cream the ingredients together until you achieve a fluffy and homogeneous mixture. This step is essential for incorporating air into the dough, which will make the cookies fluffier.

2. Adding wet ingredients: Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the rum essence, vanilla sugar, and salt. Mix until everything is well incorporated.

3. Dry ingredients: Sift the flour and ground nuts together. Gradually add them to the wet mixture, gently mixing with a spatula or your hands until you achieve a homogeneous dough. Avoid over-kneading to prevent it from becoming tough.

4. Resting the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This will help firm up the margarine, providing better texture when baking.

5. Shaping the cookies: After the dough has chilled, remove it and divide it into balls the size of a ping-pong ball. Gently flatten each ball and place them on a greased and floured baking tray.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the cookies for 30 minutes or until they become slightly golden around the edges. 15 minutes before the end, add some ground nuts on each cookie for an extra crunch and flavor.

Serving suggestions

Once the cookies are baked, let them cool on a rack. If you want to sweeten them even more, drizzle a little honey on their surface. This detail will make the cookies even more delicious, combining the crunchy texture with a touch of sweetness.

Pairing with beverages

These cookies pair perfectly with a cup of hot tea or aromatic coffee. For a more sophisticated dessert, you can serve them with a glass of sweet wine or a craft beer, preferably one with notes of caramel or nuts.

Possible variations

- Chocolate cookies: Add dark or milk chocolate chunks to the dough for a decadent flavor.
- Dried fruit cookies: Replace some of the nuts with dried fruits, such as raisins or apricots, for a fruity note.
- Spiced cookies: Experiment with spices like cinnamon or ginger to add a warm and comforting flavor.

Nutritional information

Each cookie contains approximately 90 calories, making it a relatively light snack but packed with energy thanks to the nuts. They provide healthy proteins, essential fats, and fiber, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace margarine with butter?
Yes, butter provides a richer flavor, but make sure to use a similar amount.

2. How can I keep the cookies fresh?
Pack the cookies in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for a week, but they are so delicious that they might not last that long!

3. Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies before baking. Shape the dough into balls, place them on a tray, freeze them, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to bake them, just let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.

Conclusion

Nut cookies are an excellent choice for any occasion, from parties to family gatherings. With a bit of patience and attention to detail, you will create a dessert that will impress everyone. Experiment, adapt the recipe to your taste, and don’t hesitate to share this recipe with your loved ones. Enjoy!