Cocoa and nut biscuits

Delicious Cocoa and Roasted Nut Cookies

There are moments in life when a warm cookie can turn an ordinary day into an unforgettable memory. Cocoa and roasted nut cookies are undoubtedly such a delicacy. With a rich aroma and a tender texture, these cookies will instantly win you over. It’s a simple recipe, perfect for any occasion, but especially for those moments when you want to treat yourself or surprise your friends and family.

Total time: 50 minutes (20 minutes for baking, 10 minutes for cooling the dough, 20 minutes for preparation)
Number of servings: Approximately 20 cookies

Ingredients:

- 200 g butter (preferably at room temperature, but not melted)
- 160 g brown sugar
- 250 g roasted walnuts, ground
- 300 g flour (plus an extra handful for dusting)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla pod for a more intense flavor)
- 1 rum extract (for an exotic aroma)
- A cup of whole nuts (for decoration)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure the butter is soft but not melted, so it incorporates easily into the mixture. You can leave the butter at room temperature a few hours before cooking.

2. Mixing the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, add the butter and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer or a spatula to mix well until you achieve a creamy and fluffy consistency. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and rum extract. Continue mixing until all ingredients are well combined.

3. Adding the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the ingredients. Gradually add this mixture to the bowl with the wet ingredients and mix until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

4. Including the nuts: Add the ground roasted walnuts to the dough and gently mix with a spatula. This step will give the cookies a crunchy texture and a rich walnut flavor.

5. Chilling the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 10 minutes. This will help the cookies retain their shape during baking and enhance the flavors.

6. Shaping the cookies: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. After the dough has rested, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface. Using lightly floured hands, take pieces of dough and form small balls about 2-3 cm in diameter. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them.

7. Decorating the cookies: Gently press each ball of dough with your palm to flatten it, then place a whole nut on top of each cookie for an attractive look.

8. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the cookies bake for 20 minutes. It is important not to overbake them, as they will lose their tender texture.

9. Cooling the cookies: Once the cookies are done, let them cool on the tray for 5-10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies are very fragile when warm, so be careful not to break them.

Serving and combinations: Cocoa and roasted nut cookies are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them with a cup of warm milk, fruit tea, or coffee. You can also add vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert or a chocolate glaze for an extra burst of flavor.

Personal tip: If you want to personalize your cookies, you can replace some of the walnuts with ground hazelnuts or pistachios. You can also add chocolate chips to enhance the flavors.

Nutritional values: These cookies have a caloric content of approximately 150 calories each, depending on size and ingredients used. Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, providing important nutritional benefits.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I replace the butter with margarine? Yes, but keep in mind that the taste and final texture will be different.

- How can I keep the cookies fresh? You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

- Can I freeze the cookies? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked cookies. You can bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Remember, cooking is an art, and every recipe is an opportunity to create something special. Cocoa and roasted nut cookies are not just a recipe but also a way to bring joy to those around you. So let’s put on our aprons and enjoy the magic of cooking!

 Ingredients: 200 g butter, 300 g flour (plus a handful for dusting), 250 g roasted ground walnuts, 160 g brown sugar, vanilla, rum essence, one tablespoon cocoa, one cup walnut pieces, 2 eggs, a pinch of salt, a knife tip of baking powder

 Tags:  cocoa and nut biscuits