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Butternut Cookies: The Melt-in-Your-Mouth Vintage Treat That Feels Like a Warm Hug

Butternut Cookies (Melt-in-Your-Mouth Vintage Cookies)

Butternut Cookies: The Melt-in-Your-Mouth Vintage Treat That Feels Like a Warm Hug
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 30 COOKIES
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup browned butter cooled but soft
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 2 tablespoons sugar for sprinkling

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • cooling rack
  • Light-colored saucepan (for browning butter)
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Food processor (optional, for finely chopping nuts)

Method
 

  1. Brown the Butter:
  2. Melt butter in a light saucepan over medium heat, stirring until golden with brown specks and a nutty aroma. Transfer to a bowl and let cool until soft but solid.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
  4. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  5. Make the Dough:
  6. Beat browned butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until creamy.
  7. Add egg yolk and vanilla; mix until combined.
  8. Add dry ingredients and mix on low until a soft dough forms.
  9. Chill:
  10. Wrap the dough and refrigerate for 1 hour (up to 24 hours).
  11. Preheat Oven:
  12. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  13. Shape Cookies:
  14. Roll dough into 1-inch balls.
  15. Dip the top of each ball in egg white, then into chopped nuts.
  16. Bake:
  17. Place nut-side up, 2 inches apart.
  18. Press a small indentation in the center and sprinkle with sugar.
  19. Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
  20. Cool:
  21. Let cookies rest 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then move to a rack to cool fully.

Notes

Chop nuts very finely—but not into a powder.
Do NOT skip browning the butter. This is the heart of the flavor.
Indentation matters! Ensures even baking and beautiful texture.
Don’t overbake. The centers should still look a little soft.
Chilling is essential. Prevents spreading and deepens flavor.