Butter Nut Drops
Butter Nut Drops are delightful cookies featuring a rich buttery flavor complemented by citrus zest and crunchy nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar well until light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolk and vanilla flavoring; mix thoroughly.
- Combine dry ingredients and add alternately with lemon juice and rinds to the creamed mixture, mixing well.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for easy handling.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat egg white slightly.
- Spread ground nuts on waxed paper.
- Roll dough into tiny balls, then dip each ball in the beaten egg white.
- Roll the coated balls in ground nuts to coat thoroughly.
- Place the coated balls on a greased cookie sheet, about 1 inch apart.
- Press a halved candied cherry on top of each cookie.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, consider using finely ground Brazil nuts instead of pecans. If you're short on time, you can skip refrigerating the dough, but chilling helps the cookies hold their shape better. If you don't have lemon juice, white vinegar can be a decent substitute. Add a pinch of cinnamon for an extra hint of warmth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful cookies as a sweet treat with afternoon tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with the Pumpkin Lemon Cream Pie for a dessert spread. Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful contrast to the nutty flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Butter Nut Drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To enjoy later, thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butter Nut Drops contains roughly 69 calories, with 1g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 4g fat.
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
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).