Nanaimo Cookies
Nanaimo Cookies feature a rich chocolate and coconut base topped with creamy vanilla pudding and smooth chocolate glaze, offering a delightful treat perfect for gatherings or sweet cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, divided ⓘ
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1 square baking chocolate ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 2 cups confectionary sugar
- 4 squares dark chocolate semi-sweet ⓘ
- 2 cups fine graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1 cup coconut ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Put 1/2 cup butter, sugar, unsweetened chocolate, and vanilla in the top of a double boiler until blended.
- Add beaten egg and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add graham cracker crumbs, chopped walnuts, and coconut; mix well.
- Press the mixture firmly into a buttered 9x9x2 inch pan.
- Cool and chill for 15 minutes.
- Cream 1/2 cup butter, then beat in vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth.
- Gradually add confectionary sugar and beat until creamy.
- Spread the pudding mixture over the first layer and chill for 15 minutes.
- Melt dark chocolate and 1 tablespoon butter over low heat and spread over the chilled pudding layer.
- Chill until the chocolate topping is firm.
- Cut into 1-inch squares and store in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate for the topping. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts and consider adding extra graham cracker crumbs. To save time, you can substitute the instant vanilla pudding with a store-bought pudding mix. Make sure to press the crust mixture firmly into the pan for a sturdy base.
Serving Suggestions
Nanaimo Cookies make a delightful dessert for any gathering. Serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. They also pair wonderfully with the flavors of a New Years Black-Eye Pea Dish, making them a great addition to holiday festivities. Cut them into smaller pieces for bite-sized treats during parties.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Nanaimo Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For best results, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. These cookies can be enjoyed chilled; simply take them out of the fridge and serve, as they are best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nanaimo Cookies contains roughly 1232 calories, with 16g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), iron (41% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 ensure my chocolate topping doesn’t crack?
To prevent the chocolate topping from cracking, allow it to cool slightly before spreading it over the pudding layer. Additionally, ensure you melt the chocolate over low heat and mix it gently to maintain a smooth consistency. This will help achieve a silky finish.
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).