Pine Nut Cookies Recipe
This delightful recipe brings the taste of pine nuts into a sweet and satisfying cookie that pairs perfectly with a warm cup of tea or coffee. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with a unique blend of flavors from **maple syrup** and **honey**. With a hint of oats, they offer a slightly nutty texture that complements the pine nuts perfectly. The addition of **cranberries or raisins** adds a touch of tart sweetness, making these cookies incredibly moreish. Adjusting the bake time can help achieve the desired cookie consistency, whether you prefer them soft or a bit crispy. They can be stored at room temperature for a week, making them a great choice for a make-ahead treat. Perfect for gatherings or as a sweet snack, these cookies cater to a variety of taste preferences. They offer a fun baking experience and are an excellent opportunity to explore new flavors. With simple steps and easily accessible ingredients, diving into this baking adventure couldn't be easier.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup butter
- 3/4 cup maple syrup
- 3/4 cup honey
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups raw oats
- 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins
Preparation Time
Preparation and Cook Time: Approximately 45 minutes
Step-by-Step Instruction
-
Prepare Dry Ingredients: Begin by sifting together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. This will help distribute the baking soda evenly in the mixture and remove any lumps from the flour.
-
Cream Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat the butter, maple syrup, honey, eggs, and vanilla extract together. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
-
Combine: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined to ensure the cookies remain tender.
-
Add Nuts and Oats: Stir in the pine nuts, whether whole or chopped, oats, and dried cranberries or raisins. Ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
-
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
-
Shape Cookies: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon out the dough onto the sheet, placing each scoop about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
-
Bake: Place the cookies in the preheated oven and let them bake for approximately 15 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
-
Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
-
Serve: Once cooled, your cookies are ready to serve.
Tips
- Substitute the maple syrup with molasses for a richer flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of regular flour.
- To enhance the flavor, toast the pine nuts slightly before adding them to the dough.
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 150 per cookie
- Protein: 2g
- Fats: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
Variations
- Add a handful of white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Integrate a teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm spice note.
- Use chopped dried apricots instead of cranberries or raisins for a different tart flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with herbal tea or a rich cup of espresso.
- Add a dollop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert.
- Pair with a platter of assorted cheeses for a sweet-savory contrast.
Best Places
- The Cookie Jar - A charming café with a selection of homemade cookies. Location: 45 Sweet Ave, London, UK.
- Baker's Paradise - Enjoy artisanal baked goods in a cozy setting. Location: 88 Flour St, New York, USA.
- Café Biscotto - Known for its unique twist on classic cookies. Location: 12 Biscuit Lane, Rome, Italy.
- The Pastry Corner - Delightful confections served with a smile. Location: 78 Dessert Dr, Sydney, Australia.
- Cookie Lovers’ Haven - A must-visit for cookie enthusiasts. Location: 55 Crumb Blvd, Paris, France.
- Sweet Treats Café - Offers a wide variety of baked delights. Location: 33 Sugar Rd, Dubai, UAE.
- The Dough House - Famous for its innovative cookie flavors. Location: 9 Sprinkle St, Tokyo, Japan.
- Cookie & Crumb - A hidden gem with delightful offerings. Location: 22 Biscuit Ct, Toronto, Canada.
- Biscuit Bliss - Delicious cookies that melt in your mouth. Location: 67 Crunch St, Berlin, Germany.
- Golden Crust Bakery - Known for its decadent and diverse cookie selection. Location: 101 Baker Blvd, Cape Town, South Africa.