Cashew Nut Cookies are a delightful vintage treat that blends rich butter, brown sugar, and the subtle crunch of cashews into a soft, tender cookie. Recipes like this became popular in mid-20th-century American kitchens, when home bakers experimented with nuts and creamy additions like sour cream to create moist, flavorful desserts. The inclusion of sour cream gives these cookies a delicate texture, while the optional butter icing adds a sweet finishing touch. These cookies stand out for their balance of richness and lightness, offering a nostalgic flavor profile that feels both comforting and slightly refined, perfect for gatherings or a simple homemade indulgence.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups flour (sifted )
- ¾ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup dairy sour cream
- ½ tsp butter flavoring
- ½ cup salted cashew nuts (chopped)
Butter Icing:
- ½ cup butter
- 3 tbsp coffee cream
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- chopped cashews (optional: for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
- Combine butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
- Add dry ingredients alternately with sour cream, mixing well after each addition
Step 5: Add Flavor and Nuts
- Stir in butter flavoring and fold in chopped cashews
Step 6: Shape Cookies
- Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet
Step 7: Bake
- Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes
Step 8: Check Doneness
- Cookies should be lightly browned, not dark
Step 9: Prepare Icing
- Cream butter, add coffee cream and vanilla, then mix in powdered sugar until smooth
Step 10: Finish Cookies
- Spread icing on cooled cookies and garnish with cashews if desired
Tips
- Use unsalted butter and adjust salt if preferred
- Toast cashews for deeper flavor
- Substitute walnuts or pecans for variation
- Chill dough for thicker cookies
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth
- Skip icing for a less sweet version
- Drizzle with chocolate instead of icing
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
- Add a touch of maple extract for depth
Nutrition
Calories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 220IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.6mg
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