Description
Royal cookies from Nordstrom blend buttery richness with classic shortbread elegance. Delicate pecans and powdered sugar create a melt-in-mouth experience you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts)
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chunks or chips (semi-sweet or dark)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (optional, such as cranberries or raisins)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie preparation.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whip the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter-sugar mixture, ensuring thorough blending after each addition, then gently mix in the vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Separately, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually merge the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Gently fold chocolate chunks, nuts, and optional dried fruit into the dough, distributing ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.
- Using a tablespoon, portion out uniform dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving approximately 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Delicately press down each dough ball with the back of a spoon to create a slightly flattened shape.
- For added complexity, sprinkle sea salt flakes and extra chocolate chunks on top of each cookie to enhance visual appeal and flavor profile.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges while maintaining a soft center, indicating perfect cookie doneness.
- Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and optimal texture.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create thicker, chewier cookies.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother, more evenly mixed dough that ensures consistent texture.
- Try different chocolate varieties like dark, milk, or white chocolate to customize flavor profiles.
- For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better binding.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg