Butternut cookies are a delightful treat that combine a light, airy texture with the perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies, coated in powdered sugar, bring the comforting flavors of homemade baking to life. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts (or pecans)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This helps to incorporate air into the dough, resulting in a tender texture.
- Add the vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, blending it in for added flavor.
- Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt, mixing until a dough begins to form. Be careful not to overmix—just enough to combine.
- Incorporate the Nuts:
- Finely chop the walnuts (or pecans) so that the nuts don’t overpower the delicate texture of the cookies.
- Gently fold the chopped nuts into the dough, ensuring an even distribution without crushing the nuts too much.
- Chill the Dough:
- Form the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and make it easier to roll.
- Shape and Coat the Cookies:
- Once chilled, remove the dough from the fridge and roll it into 1-inch balls.
- Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar to coat it evenly, giving the cookies their signature sweet, snowy appearance.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the dough balls on the baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie to allow for expansion as they bake.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just slightly golden.
- Cool and Store:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once fully cooled, store the Butternut Cookies in an airtight container to preserve their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Enjoy!
These Butternut Cookies make for a perfect snack with a cup of tea or coffee, or as a sweet homemade gift. Their light texture and nutty flavor make them a timeless treat for any occasion!