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Thursday, May 31, 2012

52 cookies :: week 21 :: toasted walnut cookies

the weeks are getting more and more hectic as the end of the school year approaches.

activities are winding up and we are preparing for a 5th grade culmination (!)

this was a scramble-to-see-what's-in-the-pantry-and-make-it-work day!

so...

52 cookies

Toasted Walnut Cookies
adapted from Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone by Deborah Madison
via NYT December 14, 2005

2 sticks unsalted butter, slightly softened
2 tbsp roasted or plain walnut oil (optional - I left this out this time, as I didn't have any! but would include for the next)
1 1/2 c light brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 c flour
2 c finely chopped walnuts
Powdered sugar for dusting.

Preheat oven to 375.

If using walnut oil, subtract 2 tblsp butter. In a mixer, cream butter, walnut oil, if using, and sugar until smooth and light. Add eggs, and mix, then add vanilla and salt. With mixer running at low speed, stir in flour, then nuts.

Roll dough into walnut-size balls and place on ungreased cookie sheets about 2 inches apart. (Or, roll into 2 logs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, wrap in parchment paper and freeze for up to 2 months. Slice 1/4" thick before baking.)

3. Bake until lightly browned on top, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and let cool, then dust with powdered sugar.

Makes about 6 dozen small cookies

i went for the best of both on this one. i rolled 2 dozen "walnut-size balls" and then rolled the remaining dough into a log for freezing. i have a feeling i'll be slicing and baking it sooner than later.

52 cookies

K: I like the flavor very much!!! Please do these bigger next time. And please make more.

E: Ok ok, you need to make more next time, and more powdered sugar but I love the walnuts.

D: Here I sit broken hearted...and upping the ante to $1000!!!?! if you don't like this cookie. This week's offering outshines all the rest. Like a Mexican wedding cookie but soft and chewy. Great nutty flavor with the walnuts. Come by the house for a cookie and a beer and we'll arm wrestle for the cash.

Must add these are definitely in my top 5.  Yum!

4 comments:

rebecca said...

would if i could, d. would if i could.

(and i bet i'm not the only one.)

amy h said...

I'm curious: have you all gained weight with this?? I think I put on a few just looking at these cookie posts. :) They all look so good.

Tracy said...

thanks reb :)

amy... i have been thinking about this! cookies every day aren't something we've ever had. but we don't eat any other sweets and so far i haven't noticed any gain ;) and i've reduced the recipes in many cases down to one dozen so that, between the four of us, the cookies only last a few days. and d usually helps by eating any extras :) we are also walking as a family every day - so maybe that counteracts! xox

amy h said...

Ah, yes, cutting down to a dozen would be a great help. It's the full cookie jar that is my problem. I have a weakness for cookies!