Walnut and Caramel Cookies

Recipe Overview 🍽️

History of the Recipe ✍️

Walnut cookies are popular in many cultures, often prepared for festive occasions or special events. Cashew Nut and Chocolate Cookies offer a modern twist, blending the richness of cashews with the indulgence of chocolate. Caramel, a classic preparation dating back centuries, has steadily gained popularity in desserts, adding a sweet and indulgent touch.

Ingredients 🛒

listed in the order of use in the procedure:

• 100 g softened butter
• 80 g brown sugar
• 40 g white sugar
• 1 egg
• 150 g all-purpose flour
• 50 g walnuts, coarsely chopped
• 100 g caramel (in pieces or sauce)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Steps (How to Make ) 🥣

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown and white sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a uniform dough forms.
4. Add walnuts and caramel: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and caramel pieces.
5. Shape the cookies: Using a tablespoon, drop balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each ball.
6. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
7. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Chef Tips 👨‍🍳

• For a richer flavor, lightly toast the walnuts before adding them to the dough.
• If using liquid caramel, be careful not to add too much, as it could make the dough too moist.

Possible Variations 🎭

• Substitute walnuts with pecans or hazelnuts for a different flavor.
• Add chocolate chips for an extra sweet touch.

Bake Time 🔥

The Walnut and Caramel Cookies bake for 10 to 12 minutes at a temperature of 180°C (350°F). This ensures that they achieve a perfect balance of being lightly golden around the edges while remaining soft and chewy in the center. It’s important to keep a close eye on them during the baking process to prevent over-baking, as oven temperatures can vary. Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps them set properly and maintains their delightful texture.

How to Store 🥡

Food and Drink Pairings 🥂

These walnut and caramel cookies pair perfectly with a glass of milk, black coffee, or spiced tea.

Presentation Suggestion 🍽️

Serve the walnut and caramel cookies on a decorative plate, with a few pieces of caramel and whole walnuts for an attractive presentation.

Why It’s Healthy 💚

While these cookies are sweet, the walnuts provide healthy fats, proteins, and fiber, making them a more nutritious option than many other sugar-laden desserts. Walnuts are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and brain function. The combination of walnuts and caramel creates a delightful balance of flavors, with the nutty crunch complementing the smooth, sweet caramel. This makes Walnut and Caramel Cookies an excellent choice for those looking to indulge in a treat while still being mindful of their nutrition.