Aunt Betty’s Homestyle German Rocks

These traditional, tender cookies land somewhere between rich shortbread and a walnut drop cookie. They’re simple to make and 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 tsp
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
• Walnuts, chopped: ½ cup
• Confectioners’ sugar: For dusting (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat 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 mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture.

Step 3: Make the Dough

Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms and no dry flour remains.

Step 4: Fold in Walnuts

Gently incorporate 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 one.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are lightly 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 the cookies with confectioners’ sugar if desired.