Aunt Betty’s Homestyle German Rocks

Aunt Betty’s Classic German Rocks

All-purpose flour – 2 cups, spooned and leveled

Unsalted butter – 1 cup, softened to room temperature

Granulated sugar – ½ cup

Fine salt – ¼ teaspoon

Pure vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon

Chopped walnuts – ½ cup

Confectioners’ sugar – for dusting (optional)

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and release easily.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light in color and fluffy in texture.

Step 3: Make the Dough

Stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until a soft, smooth dough forms with no dry spots.

Step 4: Fold in Walnuts

Gently mix in the chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly 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, or until the edges turn lightly golden.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Once fully cooled, lightly dust the cookies with confectioners’ sugar if desired.