Hickory Nut Cookies. Ozella Seffner. Recipe

Hickory Nut Cookies Recipe by Ozella Seffner

History and Fun Facts:

Hickory Nut Cookies are a classic American treat that have been enjoyed for generations. The rich and buttery taste of these cookies, combined with the nutty flavor and texture of hickory nuts, make them a beloved dessert. The history of this recipe goes back to the early settlers in America who were introduced to hickory nuts by Native Americans. The settlers quickly discovered that the nuts were not only delicious to eat on their own but were also a wonderful addition to various recipes, including cookies.

Hickory nuts are native to North America and are found primarily in the eastern and central regions of the United States. They have a distinct flavor that is often described as sweet and rich, with a hint of bitterness. The nuts are small and round, similar in size to a pecan, and have a hard shell that requires a bit of effort to crack open. However, the effort is well worth it for the delicious nut meat hidden inside.

Aside from their wonderful taste, hickory nuts also have some nutritional benefits. They are a good source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin B6, magnesium, and manganese. Incorporating hickory nuts into recipes like these cookies can provide a boost of nutrients and add a unique flavor profile.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for Hickory Nut Cookies:

Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sweet milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 pint hickory nut kernels, chopped fine

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.

3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition.

5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sweet milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing well after each addition.

6. Stir in the chopped hickory nuts and vanilla extract, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

7. Once the dough has come together, cover it and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough allows it to firm up, making it easier to handle and shape into cookies.

8. After the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Dust a clean countertop or work surface with flour and roll out the dough to a thickness of about ¼ inch.

9. Use a cookie cutter of your choice to cut out the cookies from the rolled dough. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.

10. Bake the cookies in a preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-browning.

11. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving.

These hickory nut cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. The combination of the buttery cookie base and the nutty hickory nuts creates a delightful flavor and texture that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.

Similar Recipes:

If you enjoy baking with nuts, there are several other cookie recipes you might want to try:

1. Pecan Sandies: These cookies are made with a similar buttery dough as hickory nut cookies, but instead of hickory nuts, they use pecans. Pecan Sandies are known for their crumbly texture and rich pecan flavor.

2. Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add a twist to classic chocolate chip cookies by incorporating chopped walnuts into the cookie dough. The combination of crunchy walnuts and gooey chocolate chips creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

3. Almond Butter Cookies: If you're a fan of almonds, almond butter cookies are a must-try. The cookies have a rich, nutty flavor and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. They are perfect for almond lovers!

These nutty cookie recipes will surely add a delightful touch to your baking repertoire. Experiment with different nut varieties and enjoy the wonderful flavors they bring to your favorite sweet treats.