Irresistible Black Walnut Cookies: A Classic Treat
Hey there, foodies! Are you looking for a delightful treat that’ll satisfy your sweet cravings? Look no further than my Black Walnut Cookies recipe made from English walnuts.
These cookies are incredibly easy to make and are packed full of flavor. I am a chef specializing in British cuisine and I can assure you that this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to indulge in some traditional British treats.
One thing that sets these cookies apart is the use of the distinctive black walnut, providing a unique flavor that distinguishes it from any other cookie recipes you’ve tasted before. Trust me when I say that once you’ve had these black walnut cookies, you won’t want to go back to traditional chocolate chip or oatmeal varieties.
In this article, I will guide you step-by-step on how to make these scrumptious black walnut cookies that will leave you wanting more. So, roll up those sleeves and let’s get baking, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My friend, let me tell you something – I have been a chef for a long time, and I must say that these Black Walnut Cookies are truly something special. What sets this recipe apart from others is the use of English walnuts – also known as black walnuts – which gives these delicacies a distinctive flavor that is both traditional and unique.
Now, let me ask you this: Are you tired of your same old boring cookie recipes? Do you want to make a dessert that will make your taste buds dance with joy? If so, my friend, this recipe is for you.
These cookies combine crispy edges with a soft, chewy center to create a texture that melts in your mouth. And the flavor! The English walnuts add a nutty richness that elevates the sweet and savory notes of the cookies to another level.
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a dessert recipe that will impress your guests, these Black Walnut Cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings. Try them out and see for yourself why they’re becoming so popular. Trust me: You won’t be disappointed.
Ingredient List
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 cups of Black Walnuts (English walnuts can be used as a substitute)
Note: If you don’t have access to Black Walnuts, you may use English walnuts that will result in a distinctive flavor. Although black walnuts are highly recommended for this recipe for their unique and bold taste.
Make sure all the ingredients are measured properly before starting to prepare the cookie dough. The process will be much easier with all measured ingredients sitting on the counter in front of you.
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to delve into the heart of the matter: how to make these scrumptious Black Walnut Cookies using English Walnuts. This recipe boasts a distinctive flavor courtesy of the Black Walnuts, which are native to North America and have a more intense nutty taste than their better-known English walnut counterparts. The dough itself is soft and buttery, while the chopped nuts give each bite a satisfyingly textured crunch. Here’s how to create a batch of these delightful Black Walnut Cookies:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (or 2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 and 1/2 cups English Walnuts or Black Walnuts, chopped
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly mixed.
Step 3: Cream the butter and sugar
Take another large bowl and use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well mixed.
Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla
Add each egg one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture and beat before adding vanilla extract into the bowl.
Step 5: Incorporate dry ingredients
Reduce mix speed to low as you blend in dry ingredient mixture just until mixed.
Step 6: Add chopped walnuts
Stir in English or Black walnuts until just combined throughout the cookie dough.
Step 7: Scoop and bake
Scoop large tablespoons of cookie dough and place on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving room between for expansion while baking. Put in the preheated oven and bake 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly golden brown in color along edges.
Step 8: Cool down
Take the cookies out of oven to cool for a few minutes before transferring them onto wire racks.
These cookies are best served warm with a glass of milk, or as a sweet afternoon snack with tea. Refrigeration can extend the shelf life considerably, granting you the opportunity to enjoy this recipe for a longer period of time.
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to put your own spin on this classic black walnut cookie recipe, there are several substitutions and variations that you can experiment with.
First, let’s talk about the walnuts. This recipe calls specifically for English or black walnuts, but you can use any type of walnut you prefer. If you can’t find black walnuts in your area or they’re too pricey, feel free to substitute them with more common English walnuts.
In terms of sugar, this recipe calls for a combination of granulated and brown sugar. However, you can opt to use only one type of sugar if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may differ slightly from the original recipe.
If you’re looking to make a healthier version of these cookies, you can swap out some of the butter with applesauce or mashed bananas. You could also use a gluten-free flour blend if you need to avoid gluten.
For a fun variation on these cookies, try adding other ingredients like chocolate chips, dried cranberries or raisins. You could even make a savory version by omitting the sugar altogether and adding some chopped herbs and grated cheese instead.
And finally, if you’re feeling really creative, try using these black walnut cookies as a base for other desserts! Use them to create an irresistible shortbread crust for a tart or cheesecake, crumble them over ice cream or yoghurt for a crunchy topping, or sandwich two cookies together with cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent treat.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to this versatile black walnut cookie recipe. So have fun experimenting and let your taste buds be your guide!
Serving and Pairing
Let’s talk about the best way to serve and pair these delectable Black Walnut Cookies. To start, I must say that these cookies can be enjoyed any time of the day. They’re perfect for breakfast alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea, and they also make an excellent snack.
When it comes to pairing, Black Walnut Cookies go well with a range of beverages. For those who prefer something hot, try pairing them with a freshly brewed cup of black or herbal tea, hot cocoa, or even a latte. But if you’re more of a cold beverage person, then go for a glass of cold milk or almond milk – it’ll balance the sweetness of the cookies.
These cookies are versatile too in that you can customize them any way you like depending on your mood (and taste buds!). To elevate their flavor and give them an even more nutty taste, try pairing them with your favorite nutty spread like peanut butter, almond butter, or even cashew butter. Trust me; this combo is a game-changer! You can also crumble them over your favorite ice cream for an extra treat.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to get creative with serving suggestions. Stack them high on a pretty plate with some fresh berries on the side for some color pop, or arrange them beautifully around a dipping sauce as dessert fondue.
Get ready to indulge in these mouth-watering cookies and let your imagination run wild when it comes to serving and pairing Black Walnut Cookies!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, listen up – I’m about to give you some valuable advice on how to make the most of your Black Walnut Cookies. First things first, you can totally make these cookies ahead of time, saving yourself some hassle on those busy days. Just mix up the dough as the recipe instructs, then roll it into a log and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Stick it in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to bake them up, remove the dough from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before slicing and baking per usual. Your guests will never even pick up on the fact that these scrumptious treats weren’t made fresh that day.
Now, let’s talk storage. These cookies have a short shelf life, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep them around for longer. The best way to store them is in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’re going to be storing them for more than a few days, I recommend putting a slice of bread in with them to help keep them moist and delicious.
Lastly, reheating. These cookies are already delicious on their own, but if you want to mix things up a bit, try heating them up in the microwave or oven for a warm and cozy treat. Just pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 350-degree oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. They’ll taste like they just came out of the oven!
Remember, when it comes to Black Walnut Cookies, there’s no wrong way to enjoy them – whether fresh out of the oven or reheated later on. So go ahead and indulge yourself with these mouthwatering treats any way you like!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, let’s dive into some tips and tricks to ensure that you get perfect results every time you make Black Walnut Cookies.
Firstly, use fresh ingredients. English walnuts can sometimes have a short shelf life, so it’s best to use them when they are still fresh. They have a distinctive flavor compared to other types of walnuts, and can really elevate your cookies to the next level.
Next, make sure your butter is softened before mixing. This ensures that the butter is well-mixed with the sugar so that the cookies come out nice and soft rather than crumbly or dry. If you forget to take the butter out of the fridge ahead of time, you can soften it quickly in the microwave or by placing it in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.
When adding eggs to the dough, make sure they are room temperature. Cold eggs can cause the mixture to curdle, resulting in an uneven texture.
Be precise with measuring out your ingredients. Use measuring cups and spoons instead of estimating or eyeballing quantities. Even a small difference in measurement can affect how the cookies turn out.
Also, don’t overmix the dough once you add in the flour mixture as this could lead to tough and dry cookies. Mix until just combined so that the dough still has a crumbly texture.
Lastly, don’t forget to preheat your oven before baking. A hot oven ensures even baking and prevents any undercooked pockets in your cookies.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making perfectly delicious Black Walnut Cookies every time!
FAQ
Now that you know how to make these delicious Black Walnut Cookies, I’m sure you’ll have some questions. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here are some common questions and answers about this recipe to help ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time.
What is the difference between English walnut and Black Walnut?
Black Walnuts are predominantly derived from trees that grow naturally, while English walnuts primarily come from cultivated orchards. The most notable contrast between these two types of walnuts is the luscious and powerful taste that Black Walnuts possess.
Can you substitute English walnuts for Black Walnuts?
Incorporating black walnuts into your dishes can add a unique boldness and subtle bitterness. While most recipes may specify English walnuts, you can readily substitute them with black walnuts, ensuring that you use only a small portion to maintain their distinct taste.
Are Black Walnuts healthier than English walnuts?
Black walnuts are known to have more health benefits compared to the commonly found English walnuts. They have higher levels of antioxidants, and essential fatty acids that promote good health, thus making them ideal in reducing risks of diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Are Black Walnuts good for baking?
The intense and distinct taste of Black Walnuts is highly appreciated by celebrated culinary experts and baking enthusiasts worldwide. Adding Black Walnuts to desserts like festive cakes, sweet bread, or classic cookie recipes can elevate the taste and make them stand out as treasured family favorites.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these Black Walnut Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. They’re easy to make, customizable, and offer a twist on the traditional English walnut flavor. What’s not to love?
The ingredients list is simple but packed with flavor, and the recipe itself is easy to follow even if you’re new to baking. With the tips and tricks I’ve provided, you’ll be able to enjoy a batch of buttery cookies that are delicate, aromatic and nutty in just under 30 minutes.
And let’s not forget about the versatile nature of these cookies! They can be eaten alone as a snack, paired with tea or coffee, or used to create other desserts like shortbread or chocolate chip cookies. The possibilities are endless!
So go ahead and try your hand at making these delicious Black Walnut Cookies. Your taste buds will thank you for it. Remember to use high-quality ingredients for the best results and experiment with variations according to your preferences.
I guarantee this recipe will become a staple in your dessert repertoire!
Black Walnut Cookies (English Walnut) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 3 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup english walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- cream butter and both sugars together.
- add eggs.
- add dry ingredients.
- mix well.
- add walnuts.
- form into 1/2 inch x 3 inch x 12 inch bars and wrap in wax paper.
- place wrapped bars on cookie sheet in refridgerator for at least 4 hours to harden for slicing.
- Slice bars into 1/4 inch cookie slabs and place on cookie sheet.
- bake at 450 deg. F for 5-6 minute bottoms should be golden brown and crispy.
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.