Are you looking for a unique and delicious cookie recipe that's both easy and incredibly flavorful? Then look no further! These Old Fashioned Persimmon Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic, perfect for using up those ripe persimmons and satisfying your sweet tooth. This simple recipe is ideal for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks looking for a quick and rewarding baking project. These cookies are a wonderful example of homemade cooking at its finest, transforming simple ingredients into a truly special treat. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delightful, healthy cookies!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned persimmon puree (about 2 medium persimmons)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for achieving a tender cookie texture. Use an electric mixer for best results, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer works too!
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and persimmon puree until well combined. The persimmon puree will add a unique moisture and sweetness to the cookies.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, 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. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Scoop & Bake: Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
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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.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Persimmon Cookies:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming and mixing.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Adjust Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Variations:
- Spiced Pecan Persimmon Cookies: Add ½ cup chopped pecans to the batter for added crunch and flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Persimmon Cookies: Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
- Ginger Persimmon Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger along with the other spices for a warm, spicy cookie.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Protein: 2-3g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
These old-fashioned persimmon cookies are a perfect example of delicious and easy recipes that are also healthy. Enjoy these simple, quick dinner additions or delightful treats! They're perfect for satisfying a sweet craving without feeling guilty. Try this recipe and share your baking experience!