Nut cookies

Nut Cookies - The Perfect Delight for Any Occasion

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 12 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 32 minutes (including chilling time in the fridge)
Number of servings: 24 cookies

Nut cookies are an excellent choice for those who want a simple yet delicious dessert. This recipe brings together accessible ingredients, resulting in a rich flavor and pleasant texture. The cookies are perfect for a quick snack or to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Let’s embark on this journey to make these delightful cookies together!

Ingredients:

- 3 eggs (ideally at room temperature)
- 200 g sugar
- 300 g flour
- 100 g ground nuts
- 1 tablespoon margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (use high-quality cocoa for an intense flavor)
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (can be replaced with Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 100 ml oil (sunflower oil is a good choice, but olive oil will add an interesting flavor)
- 1 packet baking powder

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the mixture: Start by beating the eggs in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to whip them into a froth. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. This step is essential for the cookies to become light and airy.

2. Adding wet ingredients: Once the eggs and sugar are well mixed, incorporate the oil, melted margarine (or butter), cream, and cocoa. Mix well after each ingredient, ensuring everything is evenly combined. The cocoa will add a chocolate hue to the cookies, making them even more appealing.

3. Adding dry ingredients: Finally, fold in the baking powder and ground nuts. Mix just enough to evenly distribute them in the mixture. At this stage, it’s important not to overmix, as the cookies could become too dense.

4. Incorporating the flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing with a spatula or your hands until you achieve a moldable dough. You may need to adjust the amount of flour based on the moisture of the ingredients, so add a little at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

5. Resting the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for an hour. This step is essential to allow the gluten to relax, which will result in softer cookies.

6. Shaping the cookies: After the dough has chilled, divide it into two equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out each part into a sheet about 8 mm thick. Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out the desired shapes.

7. Baking the cookies: Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or greased with margarine and dusted with flour. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the cookies for about 12 minutes or until they are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary from one oven to another.

8. Cooling and serving: Once the cookies are ready, let them cool on a cooling rack. This will allow them to become crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. You can dust them with powdered sugar or coat them in melted chocolate for an elegant look.

Useful tips for a perfect result:

- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, as this will help achieve a better texture.
- If you want a more intense nut flavor, you can lightly toast the nuts before adding them to the dough.
- This recipe is easily adaptable; you can replace the nuts with hazelnuts or almonds, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional benefits: Nut cookies are a source of healthy fats due to the nuts, and they provide a good energy boost. Whole wheat flour can be used to increase fiber content.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of oil? Yes, you can experiment with various types of oil, but make sure to choose one with a neutral flavor.
- How can I store the cookies? The cookies store well in an airtight container for a few days. If you want them crunchier, you can keep them in an open container.
- Can the cookies be frozen? Yes, the cookies can be frozen before or after baking. Make sure they are well packed to avoid freezer burn.

Serving suggestions: Nut cookies are delicious alongside a cup of green tea or a flavored coffee. You can also serve them with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! This nut cookie recipe is not only simple but also full of flavor, perfect for enjoying with loved ones. Enjoy every bite!