These healthy walnut maple cookies will make you forget about choco chips!

Everybody knows, baking is synonymous with the winter season. At this time of the year, most kitchens are filled with the heavenly aroma of baking bread and melting chocolate. People bring out their baking essentials and try their hand at cakes, pies, tarts, muffins and more. For those who gravitate towards healthier
delights, there are always options to play a little with ingredients. And we’ve got a perfect recipe using the wonders of walnut.

Not only do these nuts provide great texture to any dish, but they are also tasty, uniquely versatile, and are an easy choice with nutrients to support your overall well-being.

But before we dive into the recipe, let’s get to know some health benefits of walnut.

1. Walnut can keep bad cholesterol away:

Walnuts lower LDL-cholesterol levels, and are associated with
lower rates of heart disease and stroke.Aid good bacteria:

Walnuts aid the growth of good bacteria, which is beneficial for
your gut health. These good bacteria further promote heart
health, according to a study published in the Journal of
Nutrition.

2. Healthy ageing:

Women in their late 50s and early 60s who consumed at least two
servings of walnuts per week had a greater probability of healthy
ageing compared to those who did not, according to a study
published in the Journal of Aging Research.

3. Great for kids:

Walnut contains thiamine, vitamin B6, folic acid, phosphorus,
magnesium and copper, and are naturally gluten, sodium and
cholesterol-free. All of this makes them a nutrient-dense
addition to a kid’s meal.

4. Build immunity and brain health:

Walnuts offer important nutrients that may play a supporting role in the brain’s overall well-being. An study published in The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging associates walnuts with improved memory, concentration, and information processing.

Yes, yes, we know you can’t wait to know the walnut maple cookies
recipe! But just wait a little more because we want you to first know about why maple syrup makes a healthier substitute to sugar!

Did you know that maple syrup, which we typically use over waffles and pancakes, is a sweetener with vitamins, minerals, and
antioxidants. Maple syrup has a low glycemic index and can have an anti-cancer effect, reduce inflammation, and can improve digestion.

Walnut maple cookies

Ingredients

1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups flour
1 cup California walnuts, toasted and chopped
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Beat the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Mix in the egg.
Mix in the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Stir in the baking
powder, salt, flour and walnuts.
3. Place on parchment paper lined baking sheets 1.5 inches
apart. Bake until light golden brown, about 15 minutes.