Decadent Chocolate Nut Cookies
The Perfect Gift Cookie! Crispy Chocolate Nut Cookies with a Satisfying Crunch
If you’re pondering what to bake as a gift, these Chocolate Nut Cookies are the perfect solution! The delightful sweetness of chocolate combined with the nutty crunch of various nuts creates an irresistible flavor. These cookies are ideal for gifting and are sure to be a hit!
Core Ingredients
- 46g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 29g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 5ml to 7ml milk
- Generous amount of assorted nuts (your choice)
- A little milk powder or skim milk powder (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, place 46g of room-temperature butter in a microwave-safe paper cup and microwave for about 30 seconds until completely melted. Melting the butter until it’s liquid will make mixing the dough much easier. Be careful not to overheat it.
Step 2
Transfer the smoothly melted butter into a mixing bowl.
Step 3
Add 29g of sugar to the melted butter and whisk thoroughly with a whisk until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. Properly creaming the butter and sugar is key to achieving a good cookie texture.
Step 4
Sift 135g of cake flour, 20g of cocoa powder, and 2g of baking powder together into the bowl with the butter and sugar mixture. Sifting the dry ingredients helps prevent lumps and results in a crispier cookie.
Step 5
Crack 1 large egg into the bowl. Using a spatula or whisk, gently mix until all ingredients are well combined and form a cohesive mixture. Ensure the egg is fully incorporated without any lumps.
Step 6
Once the ingredients are partially combined, gradually add 5ml to 7ml of milk while mixing to achieve the desired dough consistency. Adjust the milk amount to avoid making the dough too wet. (If using milk powder, add it now and mix well.)
Step 7
When the dough is firm enough to be shaped by hand, wash your hands thoroughly and gently knead the dough. Avoid over-kneading, as this can make the cookies tough. Knead just until the ingredients come together into a cohesive ball.
Step 8
Evenly sprinkle the prepared assorted nuts over the dough. Gently press them in with your hands to incorporate them into the dough. Using plenty of nuts will enhance the texture and nutty flavor.
Step 9
Once the dough is moderately mixed, shape it into your desired cookie form and place it in a resealable plastic bag. Flatten the dough slightly within the bag and refrigerate for about 40 minutes to 1 hour. This chilling process will firm up the dough, making it easier to cut and shape.
Step 10
Remove the chilled, firm dough from the refrigerator. Place it on a lightly floured work surface and roll it out into a long, uniform log using a rolling pin. This ensures even thickness for your cookies.
Step 11
Cut the rolled-out dough log into desired cookie sizes. A sharp knife or a pizza cutter works well for this.
Step 12
Gently flatten each cut piece of dough with your palm. This helps them bake more evenly and prevents them from being too thick.
Step 13
Use cookie cutters to create decorative shapes from the flattened dough pieces. Place the shaped cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil, ensuring they have some space between them.
Step 14
Repeat this process with the remaining dough to create as many cookies as possible, arranging them attractively on the baking sheet.
Step 15
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cookies for approximately 25 minutes. Baking time may vary depending on cookie thickness and your oven. Check for doneness around the 20-minute mark and add an additional 5 minutes if needed. The cookies should be crisp on the edges and fully baked through.
Step 16
Carefully remove the hot cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Handling them while still hot may cause them to break.
Step 17
Once the cookies are completely cool, use the chocolate pen to carefully draw lines along the edges or patterns of the cookie shapes you created with the cutters. Get creative with your designs!
Step 18
Allow the chocolate decorations to set completely. Your beautiful, homemade Chocolate Nut Cookies are now ready to be enjoyed! Share these delightful treats with your loved ones.
