Nut cookies

Delicious Cookies - A Simple and Irresistible Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Resting time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 30 cookies

Welcome to the sweet world of cookies! Today, I invite you to prepare a recipe for delicious, tender, and flavorful cookies that will bring a smile to anyone's face. These cookies are perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee, and their aromas will take you on an unforgettable journey.

A Brief Story About Cookies

Cookies are a delicacy found in many cultures, each with its own traditions and variations. Their origins are lost in the mists of time, but it is known that they were first made to preserve ingredients and make them easier to transport. Cookies have evolved over the years, becoming a symbol of hospitality and celebrations. Today, this recipe for walnut cookies with almond and vanilla flavors will turn any moment into a celebration!

Necessary Ingredients

- 250 g butter (at room temperature)
- 150 g ground walnuts (or ground almonds, if you prefer)
- 250 g flour
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1/2 bottle almond extract
- 1/2 bottle vanilla extract (or butter)
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- Vanilla powdered sugar (for decoration)

Useful Tips About Ingredients

- Butter: Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier incorporation into the dough. Using quality butter will make the cookies more delicious.
- Walnuts or almonds: Walnuts bring a rich flavor, but if you want a more delicate note, almonds are an excellent choice.
- Powdered sugar: This dissolves more quickly in the dough, giving it a fine texture.
- Extracts: Choose natural extracts to achieve the most intense flavors. Almond extract brings a distinct taste, and vanilla perfectly complements the combination.

Step by Step – Preparing the Cookies

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, add the butter at room temperature and the powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer or a spatula to combine the ingredients until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous cream.

2. Add the dry ingredients: Sift the flour together with the baking powder and ground walnuts (or almonds, if you chose this option). Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter cream, mixing gently to avoid lumps.

3. Flavor the dough: Add the almond and vanilla extracts. Continue mixing until all the ingredients are well integrated. In the end, the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

4. Rest the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour. This step is essential for achieving tender and tasty cookies.

5. Shape the cookies: After the resting time, remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until you obtain a sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out various shapes.

6. Prepare the tray: Line a tray with parchment paper. Arrange the cut cookies on the tray, leaving a little space between them to allow for expansion.

7. Bake the cookies: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray in the oven and bake the cookies for 25-30 minutes, or until they become slightly golden at the edges.

8. Final decoration: After the cookies have cooled slightly, roll them in vanilla powdered sugar, coating them evenly. This step not only gives them a special appearance but also adds an extra note of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions and Combinations

These delicious cookies are perfect to be enjoyed alongside a warm tea or aromatic coffee. They can also be a wonderful gift for friends and family, beautifully packaged in decorative boxes. I suggest pairing them with vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce for a perfect culinary experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes, you can experiment with other types of nuts, such as hazelnuts or pistachios, each bringing a unique flavor to your cookies.

2. What do I do if I don’t have almond extract?
You can omit the almond extract or replace it with orange extract for a different flavor.

3. How long can I store the cookies?
Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

4. Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, the cookies can be frozen. Make sure to package them well to prevent freezing.

Nutritional Benefits

These cookies are rich in healthy fats from nuts, which contribute to heart health. Butter contains essential vitamins, while powdered sugar provides quick energy. However, it is best to consume these delicious cookies in moderation due to their sugar content.

Possible Variations

If you want to add a personal touch, you can try adding dark chocolate or dried fruit pieces to the dough. These variations will not only add flavor but also make the cookies even more attractive.

In conclusion, these delicious cookies are a perfect choice for any occasion, from parties to moments of personal indulgence. I encourage you to try them and enjoy the cooking process. Happy holidays and much success in the kitchen!