Aunt Betty’s Homestyle German Rocks
These traditional, crumbly cookies sit perfectly between rich butter shortbread and a nutty drop cookie. Simple to make and wonderfully comforting, they pair beautifully with a warm mug of coffee or tea.
Aunt Betty’s Classic German Rocks
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
- Unsalted butter, softened – 1 cup
- Granulated sugar – ½ cup
- Salt – ¼ teaspoon
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Walnuts, chopped – ½ cup
- Confectioners’ sugar – for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light, pale, and fluffy.
Step 3: Make the Dough
Blend in the vanilla extract. Gradually stir in the flour and salt until a soft, smooth dough forms with no dry spots.
Step 4: Add the Walnuts
Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Finish
Once fully cooled, dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired before serving.
