Vermont Butter Cookies
Vermont Butter Cookies are rich, buttery treats infused with maple flavor, topped with walnuts, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet, nutty snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cream the softened butter thoroughly.
- Gradually add brown sugar and beat until fluffy.
- Add egg, maple syrup, maple flavoring, flour, baking powder, soda, and salt; beat well.
- Drop rounded teaspoons of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Top each cookie with a walnut half.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden.
- Remove from oven and cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. If you don't have maple syrup, honey or agave syrup can be a suitable substitute, though it may alter the final taste slightly. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming, and try adding a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth. Serve these cookies with a nice cup of tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Serving Suggestions
These Vermont Butter Cookies are perfect as a standalone treat, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of Banana-Pineapple Ice Cream for a delicious dessert. Consider adding a side of fresh fruit or a green salad, like Imogene Salad, to balance the sweetness. They also make excellent gifts during the holiday season, packaged in decorative tins.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vermont Butter Cookies contains roughly 32 calories, with 1g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 0g 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
Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes, you can use regular granulated sugar, but the cookies will be less rich and may not have the same depth of flavor. Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight chewiness to the cookies, so if you substitute, consider adding a tablespoon of molasses to mimic that flavor.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
If you have nut allergies or prefer not to use walnuts, you can substitute with chocolate chips, pecans, or even dried fruit. This will change the texture and flavor slightly, but it will still create delicious cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to a dry texture. Keeping an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking is helpful.
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).