- Chopped pecans (optional, for additional texture)
- Dark chocolate chips (optional, for added flavor and richness)
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Steps
### Black Walnut Cookies: A Rich, Decadent Baked Good
Black walnut cookies are a delightful treat that combines the nutty flavor of black walnuts with soft, chewy cookie perfection. This guide will walk you through making these delicious cookies at home, packed with tips and tricks to ensure your batch turns out beautifully.
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
2. **Cream Butter and Sugars:**
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract to combine.
3. **Add Dry Ingredients:**
- In a separate bowl, mix together the baking soda, salt, and flour.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to remain slightly lumpy.
4. **Fold in Black Walnuts:**
- Fold in the chopped black walnuts into the cookie dough using a wooden spoon or spatula.
- The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk; if too wet, add more flour.
5. **Chill the Dough (Optional):**
- Cover and refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes to an hour. This step is optional but recommended as it helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
6. **Scoop and Place Cookies:**
- Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) between each cookie.
- If desired, use a fork to gently press down on top of some cookies for a unique cross-hatch pattern.
7. **Bake the Cookies:**
- Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Rotate the baking sheets halfway through to ensure even cooking.
8. **Cool and Enjoy:**
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for future enjoyment.
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By following these steps, you’ll have a batch of rich, delicious black walnut cookies that are sure to please any sweet-toothed visitor!