Cookies with nuts

Nut Cookies - A Perfect Treat for the Holidays

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 30 cookies

Who doesn't love a delicious dessert, full of flavor and warmth? Nut cookies are the perfect choice to bring a touch of magic to the holiday season. These cookies are not only easy to make but also ideal for a fasting menu, offering an explosion of taste and texture. Plus, they can be a wonderful gift for loved ones.

The history of these cookies is long, with various versions prepared over time. Typically, cookies are associated with moments of celebration and community, every time we gather together to enjoy something sweet.

Ingredients:

- 200g margarine (make sure it is of good quality, as it will influence the texture of the cookies)
- 100g ground walnuts (you can use fresh nuts for a more intense flavor)
- 100g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 300-350g flour (use wheat flour for the best results)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (this adds a sweet and aromatic note)
- 1 essence of rum (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- Grated lemon peel (adds a note of freshness)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)

Step by step for delicious cookies:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, start by creaming the soft margarine with the sugar. It’s important to do this patiently to achieve a fluffy consistency. You can use an electric mixer to make your job easier.

2. Adding flavors: Once the margarine and sugar are well mixed, add the vanilla sugar, rum essence, and grated lemon peel. These ingredients will provide a wonderful taste and enticing aroma.

3. Incorporating the nuts: Grind the nuts, but leave some larger pieces for texture. Add the nuts to the margarine mixture and mix gently.

4. The flour: Start adding the flour gradually, mixing by hand until you obtain a homogeneous dough. Be careful not to over-knead, as this will make the cookies tough.

5. Chilling the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes. This step will help firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out.

6. Shaping the cookies: On a floured surface, break off pieces of dough and roll them out with a rolling pin. Make a sheet of moderate thickness to avoid breaking the cookies. Cut out the desired shapes - trees, hearts, or anything else you wish.

7. Baking: Prepare a tray greased with a bit of margarine and lay down parchment paper. Place the cookies on the tray, leaving a little space between them. Bake in a preheated oven at medium heat for about 15 minutes, or until they turn slightly golden around the edges.

8. Decorating: Once the cookies have cooled, dust them with powdered sugar. This step will give them an elegant appearance and a sweet taste, perfect for serving.

Practical tips:

- If you want to enhance the flavors, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
- Use fresh nuts, ground just before adding to the dough, to benefit from maximum flavor and freshness.
- Make sure the margarine is at room temperature to incorporate easily into the mixture.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

These nut cookies are a good source of healthy fats from nuts, which can contribute to heart health. They also contain carbohydrates from flour and sugar, providing quick energy. On average, one cookie has about 80 calories, but this number can vary depending on the serving size and ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use butter instead of margarine?
- Yes, butter can be used, but you might get a different texture.

2. How can I keep the cookies fresh?
- Store the cookies in an airtight container, preferably at room temperature. You can add a slice of bread to the container to maintain moisture.

3. Can I add other ingredients?
- Of course! You can try adding chocolate or dried fruits to vary the recipe.

Serving and combinations:

These nut cookies are excellent alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve them as part of a platter with various sweets at a party or festive meal. Don’t forget, a serving of cookies pairs perfectly with a bottle of sweet wine or a flavored liqueur.

In conclusion, nut cookies are a perfect choice to welcome the holidays with good taste. So, put on your chef's outfit, prepare the ingredients, and let yourself be carried away by the delicious aromas of these cookies. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 200 g margarine in a package, 100 g ground walnuts, 100 g sugar, 300-350 g flour, 1 packet of vanilla sugar, 1 essence of rum, grated lemon peel, powdered sugar

 Tags:  cookies with nuts