Rocks

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Rocks are crunchy, nutty cookies with warm spice notes, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat with coffee. Their rich pecan flavor and aromatic spices make them a delightful choice for those who enjoy flavorful, textured cookies. Easy to prepare and irresistibly tasty.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 2/3 cup butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 cups pecans, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp cloves
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 Tbsp hot water

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs, vanilla, spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg), flour, baking soda, and hot water; mix well.
  3. Stir in finely chopped pecans.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a greased cookie sheet.
  5. Bake at 225°F (107°C) for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar for a slight caramel note. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming. For a festive touch, add chocolate chips or dried fruit to the dough. Keep an eye on baking time, as every oven can vary.

Serving Suggestions

These delightful treats pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making them perfect for an afternoon snack. For a special touch, serve alongside a scoop of ice cream or with a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They also make a great addition to dessert platters during gatherings or holiday celebrations.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Rocks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to preserve their texture longer, refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving. Reheat in a low oven for a few minutes to regain some crispness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Rocks contains roughly 185 calories, with 2g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

185 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.4g 5% DV
Total Fat 6.3g 8% DV
Carbs 27.3g 10% DV
Fiber 3g 11% DV
Sugar 1.2g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 117.8mg 5% DV
Potassium 203.3mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 55.4mg 18% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 13.1mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 7.6mg 8% DV
Calcium 70.5mg 5% DV
Iron 0.8mg 5% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough in portioned amounts and bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?

If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a mashed banana per egg. This will keep the cookies moist while adding a hint of sweetness. However, be aware that this might alter the flavor slightly.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are ready when they are lightly browned around the edges and still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Avoid over-baking to maintain a chewy texture.

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).

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