Nut and chocolate cookies
Nut and Chocolate Cookies – a delicious and easy-to-make recipe, perfect for any occasion
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Number of servings: 30 cookies
Nut and chocolate cookies are a modern twist on the classic islers, full of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. These delicious treats are ideal for a sweet snack, a dessert at a party, or simply for indulging yourself. We will explore each step of the recipe, and I will share some tips to achieve a perfect result.
The history of these cookies stretches back to times when sweets were made with simple yet quality ingredients, combining flavors and textures to create unforgettable moments. Nut and chocolate cookies are no exception, as they are based on traditional ingredients found in many family recipes.
Necessary ingredients:
For the cookies:
- 650 g flour
- 150 g mascarpone
- 90 g lard (or butter, but lard will give a fluffier texture)
- 3 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 150 g ground nuts
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- Vanilla extract
- Zest of one lemon
For the cream:
- 150 g chocolate (ideally 72% cocoa for an intense flavor)
- 150 ml liquid cream
- 150 g mascarpone
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 50 g ground nuts
For the glaze:
- 80 g dark chocolate
- Milk (about 2-3 tablespoons, depending on the desired consistency)
Other ingredients:
- Apricot jam (for some cookies)
- Ground nuts (for decoration)
Step by step:
1. Preparing the cookie dough:
In a large bowl, add the lard and sugar. Mix well until you get a creamy composition. Adding room-temperature butter will facilitate this process. Continue with the eggs, one at a time, ensuring they are well incorporated into the mixture. Add the sour cream, mascarpone, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
2. Adding the dry ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground nuts. Start gradually incorporating the dry ingredient mixture into the wet composition. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to avoid forming lumps.
3. Chilling the dough:
Once you have a homogeneous dough, cover it with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 2 hours. This step is crucial as it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape.
4. Shaping the cookies:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 5 mm. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between the cookies as they will expand during baking.
5. Baking the cookies:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until they turn slightly golden. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
6. Preparing the chocolate cream:
In a small saucepan, heat the cream until just about to boil. Add the broken chocolate pieces and stir until completely melted. Let it cool slightly. In another bowl, mix the mascarpone with powdered sugar, then add the chocolate mixture and ground nuts. Place the cream in the refrigerator to firm up.
7. Assembling the cookies:
Once the cookies have completely cooled, fill each cookie with chocolate cream or apricot jam, sprinkling ground nuts on the filling. Choose the option you like best or combine them for a contrast of flavors.
8. Preparing the glaze:
Melt the dark chocolate with the milk over a double boiler, stirring until you achieve a fluid consistency. By doing this, the chocolate becomes shinier and easier to apply. Glaze each cookie with the melted chocolate and let it set.
9. Serving:
Nut and chocolate cookies are best served with a cup of tea or coffee. You can pair them with a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic experience. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for a few days, but they are so delicious that they might not last long!
Useful tips:
- If you prefer a sweeter chocolate, you can use chocolate with a lower cocoa percentage.
- You can replace the nuts with ground almonds or hazelnuts for a different variation.
- For more aromatic cookies, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
Nutritional benefits:
These cookies are a good source of protein and healthy fats due to the nuts and mascarpone. Additionally, 72% cocoa chocolate brings antioxidants and may contribute to heart health, while the whole flour used can add fiber.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another fat instead of lard?
Yes, you can use butter, but the texture will be slightly different.
- How can I make the cookies less sweet?
Reducing the amount of sugar in the dough can help, but keep in mind that the filling will also add sweetness.
- Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, the cookies can be frozen, but it is recommended to assemble and glaze them after thawing to maintain their appearance.
Now that you have all the necessary information, it’s time to get cooking! Treat your family and friends to these nut and chocolate cookies, which will surely become a staple recipe in your home. Enjoy!
Ingredients: For the biscuits: 650 g flour, 150 g mascarpone, 90 g lard, 3 eggs, 100 g sugar, 3 tablespoons sour cream, 150 g ground walnuts, 1 teaspoon baking soda, salt, vanilla, lemon zest. For the cream: 150 g 72% cocoa chocolate, 150 ml liquid cream, 150 g mascarpone, 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, 50 g ground walnuts. For the glaze: 80 g dark chocolate, milk. I also used: apricot jam, ground walnuts.
