Nutty American Cookies
Homemade Chewy and Crispy American Cookies Recipe
Why save delicious treats for special occasions? Today, let’s make delightful American-style cookies using a mix of nuts you already have at home! These cookies offer a satisfyingly crisp exterior with a wonderfully chewy center, enhanced by the rich buttery flavor, the nutty crunch, and the sweet bursts of white chocolate. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for beginners and guarantees a crowd-pleasing treat.
Cookie Dough Ingredients- 45g unsalted butter, softened
- 35g granulated sugar
- 35g brown sugar (or dark brown sugar)
- Pinch of salt (approx. 1/8 tsp)
- 1 egg yolk
- A dash of vanilla extract or vanilla oil (approx. 1/2 tsp)
- 75g cake flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 2g baking powder (approx. 1/2 tsp)
- 1g baking soda (approx. 1/4 tsp)
- 35g white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- 35g mixed nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds, pecans), chopped
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing your mixed nuts. Using a variety of nuts will add a more complex and delightful flavor profile to your cookies.
Step 2
Take your 35g of mixed nuts. Set aside a small portion for decoration if you wish. Finely chop the remaining nuts using a knife. Aim for pieces that still offer a slight crunch, rather than a fine powder.
Step 3
Ensure your 45g of unsalted butter is softened to room temperature. You can melt it gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or use a double boiler (bain-marie) until it’s fully liquid. Be careful not to overheat.
Step 4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter (45g), granulated sugar (35g), and brown sugar (35g). Add a pinch of salt. The brown sugar will contribute a lovely caramel note and a softer texture to your cookies.
Step 5
Using a spatula or whisk, cream the butter and sugars together until well combined and no sugar granules are visible. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Ensure it’s a smooth, homogenous mixture.
Step 6
Add the egg yolk (1) and a dash of vanilla extract or oil (approx. 1/2 tsp). Vanilla enhances the overall aroma and flavor of the cookies.
Step 7
Stir everything together until the yolk is fully incorporated and the mixture looks glossy and well-combined.
Step 8
Now, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Sift the cake flour (75g), baking powder (2g), and baking soda (1g) directly into the bowl. Sifting prevents lumps and ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, leading to a lighter cookie texture.
Step 9
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Use a ‘cut and fold’ motion, like drawing an ’11’. Mix only until about 80-90% of the flour is incorporated – stop when you see just a few streaks of dry flour remaining. Overmixing can make your cookies tough.
Step 10
Add the chopped nuts (35g) and the white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate (35g) to the dough.
Step 11
Fold these additions into the dough with your spatula, just enough to distribute them evenly. Again, avoid overmixing.
Step 12
Once the additions are partially incorporated, use your hands to gently bring the dough together into a cohesive ball. Lightly press it into a single mass.
Step 13
Place the dough onto a piece of parchment paper, shape it into a log or flat disk, and wrap it tightly. Refrigerate for at least 40 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle, prevents excessive spreading during baking, and deepens the flavors.
Step 14
Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Divide it into portions of approximately 50g each. Roll each portion into a smooth ball using your hands.
Step 15
Place the dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently press down on each ball with your palm or fingers to flatten them slightly. This encourages them to spread into a nice cookie shape while baking.
Step 16
(Optional) If you reserved some nuts for decoration, press a few onto the top of each flattened cookie dough ball before baking for an attractive finish.
Step 17
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake at 170°C (340°F) for 12 minutes, then increase the temperature to 175°C (345°F) and bake for another 5 minutes, for a total of about 17 minutes. Adjust baking time based on your oven’s performance and desired crispiness. Look for golden brown edges.
Step 18
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, while they are still warm and slightly soft, you can use a round cookie cutter or a similar shaped mold to gently neaten the edges. This helps achieve perfectly round cookies.
Step 19
Arrange your beautifully baked American cookies on a serving plate. Enjoy your delicious homemade treat with a glass of milk or a warm beverage!
