These Chocolate Nut Wafers are a classic Betty Crocker–inspired cookie recipe from the mid-20th century, featuring a rich blend of chocolate, nuts, and a hint of vanilla. Lightly crisp on the edges with a chewy, nutty center, these wafers were popular for holiday cookie trays and afternoon treats alike. The recipe combines shortening, sugar, melted chocolate, and crunchy nuts, creating a perfectly balanced flavor. Easy to make and quick to bake, these cookies embody nostalgic homemade goodness and pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or milk.
Ingredients
- ½ cup shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg (large )
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 oz unsweetened chocolate (melted)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¾ cup nuts (chopped, walnuts or pecans recommended)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Chocolate
- Melt the unsweetened chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave in short bursts. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a mixing bowl, cream together shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
- Stir in the melted chocolate.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and salt.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture until fully combined.
- Fold in the chopped nuts.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten slightly with the bottom of a dampened glass dipped in sugar.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips
- Use sugared glass to flatten cookies for a sparkly top and light crunch.
- Swap walnuts or pecans depending on preference.
- For deeper chocolate flavor, use dark baking chocolate.
- Add a small handful of chocolate chips for extra texture.
- Chill dough briefly if it seems too soft to drop neatly.
- Toast nuts lightly before adding for enhanced flavor.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm spice note.
- Drizzle cooled cookies with melted chocolate for a dressed-up version.
- Substitute butter for shortening for richer flavor (texture will be slightly different).
- Store in an airtight container to keep wafers crisp.
Nutrition
Calories: 98kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 1.5gFat: 5.4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 55mgPotassium: 45mgFiber: 0.8gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 10IUCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.6mg
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