Black Walnut Drops
Black Walnut Drops are rich, nutty cookies with a tender crumb and crunchy black walnuts, perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday treats for nut lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter; add sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; blend in along with sour cream.
- Stir in chopped black walnuts.
- Chill the dough.
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto buttered cookie sheets.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Can be iced with chocolate buttercream icing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and toasting the black walnuts before adding them to the dough. If you're out of sour cream, plain yogurt or buttermilk can be used as substitutes. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, which will help them maintain their shape.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own, but they can also be served alongside a cup of coffee or tea. For a decadent treat, try icing them with chocolate buttercream icing. They pair beautifully with a slice of Basic Cornbread or a light salad to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Black Walnut Drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes until they are soft and fresh.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Walnut Drops contains roughly 1146 calories, with 15g protein, 166g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (58% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2815mg per serving (122% 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
Can I use other types of nuts instead of black walnuts?
Yes, you can substitute black walnuts with pecans or walnuts if you prefer a milder flavor. However, keep in mind that the unique taste of black walnuts is what sets this recipe apart, so the final flavor will be different.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden, and the centers may appear slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the cookie sheet. Avoid overbaking to keep them chewy.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When ready to bake, allow it to soften slightly before dropping it onto the cookie sheets.
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).