White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.
When it comes to delicious treats, white chocolate macadamia nut cookies are a must-try. These cookies combine buttery dough, sweet white chocolate, and crunchy macadamia nuts to create a delightful texture and taste that’s hard to resist.
You’ll be delighted to know how easy they are to make at home. With simple ingredients like butter, sugars, eggs, flour, baking soda, salt, and of course, white chocolate and macadamia nuts, you can whip up a batch in no time. Taking the time to properly cream the butter and sugar helps create that perfect chewy center we all love.
Whether for a special gathering or just a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress. So, grab your apron and get ready to bake some of the yummiest cookies you’ve ever tasted!
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
To make white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, you need a few basic ingredients. Here’s a simple list and some possible substitutes you can use:
Flour: Use all-purpose flour for the best texture. For a gluten-free option, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best. If you need a dairy-free option, margarine or coconut oil will work as substitutes.
Sugar: Both granulated sugar and light brown sugar are needed. If you don’t have light brown sugar, you can use dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Eggs: Large eggs are standard. For a vegan option, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg).
Vanilla Extract: This adds great flavor. If you’re out, you can use almond extract, but only half the amount.
White Chocolate Chips: Use good quality white chocolate chips. If you prefer, you can chop a white chocolate bar into chunks.
Macadamia Nuts: These should be roughly chopped. If you don’t have macadamia nuts, you can use chopped almonds or cashews.
Baking Soda: This helps the cookies rise. There is no direct substitute, so make sure you have this on hand.
Salt: A small amount enhances the flavors. You can use sea salt or table salt.
Remember to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results. Happy baking!
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them with nonstick spray.
Toast your macadamia nuts: Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5 minutes. Let them cool completely.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and well combined.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the toasted macadamia nuts and white chocolate chips.
Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets using a cookie scoop or spoon, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are a light golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your delicious white chocolate macadamia nut cookies!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Chill the Dough: Letting your dough chill for at least an hour helps the flavors meld and prevents spreading while baking.
Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Butter and eggs mix more easily when they’re not cold. This ensures a smooth, consistent dough.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix your ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough.
Measure Properly: Use a medium cookie scoop, about 1.5 tablespoons. This makes sure your cookies are all the same size and bake evenly.
Spreading: Space your cookies about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. They need room to spread out while baking.
Watch the Nuts: Be careful when toasting macadamia nuts. They can go from perfectly roasted to burnt quickly.
Baking Times: Check your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time. Ovens can vary, and you want your cookies to be just golden around the edges.
Storing:
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Place a slice of bread in the container to keep cookies soft.
Freezing Cookies: You can freeze baked cookies for up to three months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to a container.
Freezing Dough: Dough can be scooped into balls and frozen. Place on a baking sheet in the freezer until hard, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
You can change up white chocolate macadamia nut cookies to suit your tastes. Here are some ideas:
Variations
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Swap white chocolate chips for dark ones for a richer taste.
- Coconut Flakes: Add shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Different Nuts: Use almonds or pecans instead of macadamia nuts.
- Dried Fruit: Mix in dried cranberries or cherries for a sweet and chewy texture.
Serving Suggestions
- With Milk: Enjoy your cookies with a cold glass of milk.
- Ice Cream Sandwich: Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies.
- Warm and Gooey: Reheat cookies in the microwave for 10 seconds to make them extra soft.
- Gift Idea: Pack them in a decorated tin for a delightful homemade gift.
Table of Flavor Combinations
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Dark Chocolate | Replace white chocolate with dark chocolate chips. |
| Coconut Flakes | Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the dough. |
| Different Nuts | Substitute macadamia nuts with almonds or pecans. |
| Dried Fruit | Mix in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or cherries. |
Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination!
