Are you craving a delicious, homemade treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These easy walnut cookies are the perfect answer for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. They're the perfect blend of crunchy walnuts and melt-in-your-mouth buttery goodness, ideal for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea, or sharing with friends and family. This recipe is a fantastic example of how delicious homemade cooking can be quick and straightforward, perfect for even the busiest weeknights. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
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Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. An electric mixer makes this step a lot easier, but you can certainly do it by hand with a little elbow grease.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Add Walnuts: Stir in the chopped walnuts.
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Walnut Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened; this will ensure that it creams properly with the sugars.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This also helps prevent spreading.
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Chocolate Walnut Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious twist.
- Spice it Up: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Pecans Instead of Walnuts: Substitute pecans for walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Saturated Fat: 5-7g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These easy walnut cookies are a simple yet satisfying dessert or snack that's perfect for any occasion. They're a quick and easy recipe that delivers big on flavor, making them a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!