Aunt Sally'S Cocoa Drops
Aunt Sally's Cocoa Drops are rich, chocolaty cookies with a tender crumb and nutty crunch. Perfect for chocolate lovers and those seeking a nostalgic treat, these cookies offer a delightful combination of cocoa and chopped nuts, making them an ideal accompaniment to tea or coffee and a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar.
- Add the egg and vanilla, and beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa, flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the sour milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Stir in the chopped nuts.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set.
- Remove from oven and let cool on racks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use unsweetened dark cocoa instead of regular cocoa powder. If you don't have sour milk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar to 1/2 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. Ensure to drop the batter onto the baking sheet with enough space, as they will spread slightly while baking.
Serving Suggestions
These cocoa drops are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a special touch. They pair beautifully with a glass of Holiday Egg Nog or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. Serve them alongside a warm beverage for a cozy treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cocoa drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave for about 10 seconds or enjoy them at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Sally'S Cocoa Drops contains roughly 211 calories, with 4g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 527mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the cocoa drops are done baking?
The cocoa drops are done when the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, so it's best to remove them when they are just starting to set.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).