Welcome to the delightful world of home-baked treats! Today, we’re going to dive into a recipe that’s not just a dessert, but a cozy hug for your taste buds – the Butternut Cookies. Imagine a cookie that melts in your mouth with every bite, offering a harmonious blend of buttery richness and the gentle crunch of walnuts. These cookies are a perfect embodiment of homely comfort and elegance, making them an ideal companion for your tea time or a sweet ending to your family dinner.
This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. With the classic combination of soft unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and all-purpose flour, these cookies promise a tender and crumbly texture that’s utterly irresistible. The finely chopped walnuts not only add a lovely nutty flavor but also a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the cookie.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at baking for the first time, this recipe is wonderfully straightforward and rewarding. So, let’s put on our aprons and start the delightful journey of baking these heavenly Butternut Cookies, a treat that’s sure to bring smiles and warmth to your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of soft unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of finely chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preparing the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, start by creaming together the soft unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes or until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter, creating a lighter dough texture.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter mixture. The vanilla adds a warm, comforting aroma and flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the cookies.
- Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt to the butter mixture. Add the flour in small increments, mixing well after each addition. Continue until all the flour is incorporated and a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Adding Walnuts:
- Finely chop the walnuts until they’re in small, even pieces. This ensures they blend well into the dough and provide a delicate texture in every bite.
- Gently fold the chopped walnuts into the dough. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout for a consistent nutty flavor in each cookie.
- Chilling the Dough:
- Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place the dough in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Forming and Baking Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Take the chilled dough and form small, 1-inch-diameter balls. Roll each ball in additional powdered sugar to coat them completely, giving them a lovely powdery appearance.
- Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each for expansion.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn a light golden color. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry them out.
- Cooling and Storing:
- After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This allows them to set and makes them easier to transfer without breaking.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely.
- Once cooled, store the Butternut Cookies in an airtight container. This helps to maintain their delicate texture and flavor.
Additional Tips
- For an interesting variation, you can replace walnuts with pecans or almonds.
- If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the dough.
- These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat with your afternoon tea or coffee.
- The dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Just thaw in the refrigerator before shaping and baking.
Enjoy your homemade Butternut Cookies!
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