Saturday, February 12, 2011

Maple Walnut Dream Cookies



Subtly sweet, the walnuts shine in this recipe with their delectable crunch contrasting against the chewiness of the surrounding cookie. They are a delicately flavored cookie and a nice change from chocolate chip. In this book, 400 Sensational Cookies by Linda J. Amendt, there is a whole section of "dream cookies" which use instant pudding mixes to give them a light, chewy, dream-like texture. I had seen pudding mixes in cakes before, but never in cookies. Let's just say, I'm a believer - these cookies were loved by all who tried them.



Besides being yummy in cookies, walnuts do wonders for your health and include the following benefits:
-A rich source of omega-3 fatty acids which improve cardiovascular health and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
-Ellagic acid in walnuts is an antioxidant compound that boosts the immune system and has anticancer properties.
-Contain melatonin which is a powerful antioxidant and induces a good night's sleep.
-Reduce total cholesterol in the body.
-Excellent source of a proteins, fiber, B-vitamins and minerals (iron, magnesium, phosphorus, copper and manganese).
-Walnuts are also called 'brain food' not only due to their wrinkled appearance that resembles the brain, but also due to the fact that they contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Nearly 60% of our brain is rimarily omega-3 fatty acids.
-Improve bone health.
-Reduce the risk of Alzheimer's by arresting the formation of the amyloid plaques that are found in the brains of patients.
-Has the perfect ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, which is 4:1.



Maple Walnut Dream Cookies
Makes 36 | 400 Sensational Cookies

2 1/4 cups flour 1 pkg (3.4oz/102g) instant vanilla pudding mix 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup shortening 1 cup brown sugar 2 eggs 2 tsp maple flavoring 1 tsp vanilla 2 1/2 cups chopped walnuts plus 24 whole walnuts for topping

3 comments:

scrambledhenfruit said...

That's interesting information about walnuts! I'm glad I love them so much. :) These cookies look great- my favorite ice cream topping is maple walnut. I bet the flavor combo is just as good in cookies!

kitchen flavours said...

These looks delicious! I have the same book but have yet to try out the cookies!

Natalie said...

I've had pudding mix in choc chip cookies before and they were to die for! These look great too!!!