Butternut Cookies

Butternut Cookies are a classic, buttery delight with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The finely chopped walnuts add a pleasant crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that complements the buttery dough perfectly. Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar gives them a sweet finish and an attractive, festive look.

Butternut Cookies

Butternut Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, buttery flavor of shortbread with the nutty crunch of finely chopped walnuts. These cookies are light and airy with a delicate texture, making them perfect for any occasion. Rolling them in powdered sugar gives them a snowy, festive look, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a charming homemade gift.

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Additional powdered sugar for rolling

How To Make Butternut Cookies

Prepare the Dough:

In a mixing bowl, blend together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, resulting in a tender cookie texture.
Add the vanilla extract to the mixture to infuse the dough with its comforting aroma and flavor.
Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt into the butter mixture. Mix until a smooth dough forms.

Incorporate the Nuts:

Finely chop the walnuts to ensure they provide a delicate texture in the cookies. Gently fold the chopped walnuts into the dough, distributing them evenly throughout.

Chill the Dough:

Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Form the Cookies:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Take small portions of the chilled dough and roll them into 1-inch diameter balls.
Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar to achieve the classic powdered appearance of these cookies.

Bake:

Place the coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to allow for slight expansion.
Bake the Butternut Cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Store:

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cookies have fully cooled, store them in an opaque container to maintain their delicate texture.

Description and Tips

Tips:

Butter Consistency: Make sure your butter is softened to ensure it creams well with the powdered sugar. This step is crucial for achieving a light and airy texture in the cookies.
Chilling the Dough: Do not skip the chilling step. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Even Sizing: To ensure even baking, try to make all the dough balls the same size. Using a small cookie scoop can help with this.
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you’re gifting them, package them in a decorative tin or box lined with parchment paper.

Enjoy these delightful Butternut Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, or share them with friends and family during the holiday season!