Butter nut balls are a delightful, sweet treat that combine the rich flavors of butter and nuts with the warmth of a baked good. Perfect as an accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon tea, these treats can be a simple yet impressive addition to any holiday or special occasion menu.
#### Ingredients for Butter Nut Balls
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
#### Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
### Step-by-Step Guide to Making Butter Nut Balls
**Step 1: Preheat Your Oven**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
**Keywords**: preheating, oven temperature, parchment paper
**Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients**
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until well mixed to ensure even distribution of flavors.
**Step 3: Cream Butter and Add Vanilla Extract (Optional)**
Using a spoon or your fingers, cream the softened butter into the dry mixture until it is crumbly and well combined. If using, add the vanilla extract now and mix gently to incorporate.
Gently fold in the chopped nuts into the dough. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout for a balanced flavor profile.
**Keywords**: folding technique, chopped nuts
**Step 5: Form the Balls**
Use your hands to form small balls of dough, about tablespoon-sized each. Place these on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them so that they don’t spread too much during baking.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12-15 minutes. The butter nut balls should be lightly golden brown on top when done.
**Keywords**: baking time, golden brown, check with toothpick
**Step 7: Cool Before Serving**
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Keywords**: cooling process, wire rack
### Tips for Perfect Butter Nut Balls
- Ensure that your butter is at room temperature; this makes it easier to mix and shape.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Experiment with different types of nuts like hazelnuts or pecans for a unique twist.
### Conclusion
Butter nut balls are a simple but incredibly satisfying treat that you can make in no time. Perfect as a snack or dessert, they're sure to become a favorite among your family and friends. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!