Cookies
Delicious Peanut and Nut Cookies
I invite you to join me on this culinary adventure, where we will create together some cookies that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with an intense peanut flavor! These treats are perfect for enjoying at any time of the year, but especially around the holidays, when the magic of Christmas is in the air. I assure you that no one will resist the temptation to taste these delights.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 12-14 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 17 minutes
Number of servings: 55 cookies
Essential ingredients:
- 226 g butter (at room temperature)
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 240 g flour
- 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
- 100 g peanuts (coarsely chopped)
- 140 g walnuts (ground)
- 150 g powdered sugar (for a sweet and elegant finish)
The story behind the recipe:
These peanut and nut cookies have a rich history, being a tradition in many cultures to prepare sweets for the holidays. Each ingredient brings with it a part of childhood memories, and the combination of flavors evokes joyful moments spent with family and friends. The cookies are easy to make and quickly become everyone's favorite.
Step by step:
1. Preparing the ingredients:
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter. This will make it easier to mix and contribute to achieving a perfect texture. Measure all ingredients before you start and prepare a large bowl to mix the dough.
2. Mixing the butter and sugar:
In a large bowl, add the butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer or a spatula to combine these ingredients. Mix until you achieve a creamy and fluffy composition, about 2-3 minutes. This is the stage where air is incorporated into the mixture, which will make the cookies fluffier.
3. Adding flavors:
Add the salt and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of flavors. The vanilla will give a special aroma to your cookies.
4. Incorporating dry ingredients:
In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking soda to avoid lumps. Gradually add the flour mixture to the bowl with butter, mixing well after each addition. Your dough will start to become more consistent, which is perfect.
5. Adding nuts:
After all the flour has been incorporated, add the coarsely chopped peanuts and ground walnuts. Use a spatula to mix the dough until all ingredients are well distributed. This combination of textures will add extra flavor to your cookies.
6. Chilling the dough:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 45 minutes. This step is essential as it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape into balls.
7. Shaping the cookies:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and, using your palms, form small dough balls, about 2-3 cm in diameter. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them as they will spread during baking.
8. Baking:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until they become slightly brown around the edges. Do not leave them too long, as they will harden as they cool.
9. Finishing with powdered sugar:
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the tray for 2 minutes. Then, roll them in powdered sugar while they are still warm. This will help the sugar stick better to the cookies. Once they have cooled completely, you can repeat the process and coat them in powdered sugar again for a more elegant appearance.
10. Serving and storing:
These cookies are delicious and can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week (if you can resist the temptation!). They are perfect for giving as Christmas gifts or enjoying alongside a cup of tea or coffee.
Useful tips:
- You can experiment with different types of nuts or add chopped chocolate for a more decadent version.
- If you want to add a note of freshness, try adding a little lemon or orange zest to the dough.
- Make sure not to bake the cookies too long, as they will harden as they cool.
Nutritional benefits:
These cookies contain peanuts and nuts, which are excellent sources of protein and healthy fats, contributing to a balanced diet. Moderate consumption of nuts can promote heart and brain health.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes, you can use pistachios, almonds, or any other type of nuts you prefer.
2. Can I make the cookies vegan?
Of course! Replace the butter with a plant-based butter and use an egg substitute of your choice.
3. How can I tell when the cookies are done?
Check the edges; when they turn golden, they are done. The cookies will still seem soft in the middle, but they will harden as they cool.
These peanut and nut cookies are truly a culinary delight, perfect for bringing joy to any moment of the day. Whether you make them for yourself or share them with loved ones, this quick and simple dessert will not disappoint! Enjoy!
Ingredients: 5 cups of sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla essence, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 240 g of flour, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, 100 g of peanuts, 140 g of walnuts, 150 g of powdered sugar, 226 g of butter
