Nut Cookies, attributed to "Mrs. Roach," are a delightful vintage treat that combines a tender cream cheese pastry with a rich, nutty filling. These cookies are made by folding sweetened nut filling into squares of buttery dough and baking them into golden perfection. The final touch, a dusting of powdered sugar, adds both visual charm and a delicate sweetness. Ideal for the holidays or as a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies offer a charming glimpse into mid-century baking traditions that value flavor, texture, and presentation.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 stick butter (½ cup, softened)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
For the Nut Filling:
- 1½ cups nuts (chopped )
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Topping:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Stir together cream cheese, butter, and flour until a dough forms.
- Refrigerate dough for 2 hours.
Step 2: Prepare the Nut Filling
- Combine chopped nuts, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
- Cut off a portion of dough and leave the rest in the refrigerator.
- Roll the portion into a 2×2-inch square on a floured surface.
- Place a spoonful of nut filling in the center.
- Bring two ends over the filling to form a roll or fold.
Step 4: Bake
- Place cookies on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden.
Step 5: Finish
- Cool on a wire rack.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar once fully cooled.
Tips
- Chill the dough thoroughly, this ensures easier rolling and cleaner cuts.
- Use finely chopped nuts for a smoother filling texture.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the nut filling for warmth.
- Brush the filled rolls lightly with milk before baking for a golden finish.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar after cooling for a classic vintage look.
- Swap vanilla for almond extract in either dough or filling for a nutty boost.
- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to the filling if you prefer a caramel-like depth.
- Roll the dough slightly thinner for more delicate cookies.
- Freeze unbaked filled rolls for baking later.
- Drizzle cooled cookies with a thin vanilla glaze instead of powdered sugar.
Nutrition
Calories: 115kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.001gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 18mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 69IUVitamin C: 0.04mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg
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