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–+ servings
Cashew Nut Cookies
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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 140 kcal

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
Keyword Baking, cashew, comfort food, cookies, dessert, homemade, nostalgic, vintage
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