Shannon R. Brown

by Shannon

Life’s been a bit hectic the last couple of weeks with the big move to Colorado coming up so I decided to recycle an old post. However, when I came across this one – https://shannonrbrown.com/2017/12/04/reality-can-be-delicious/ – I realized it needs an update.

Since first sharing this cookie recipe I’ve faced a culinary tragedy – I developed an allergy to almonds. Now the cookies that used to bring me great joy bring pain instead. I wanted to cry into my milk when my mouth began to water thinking about this recipe, only to realize that, like almonds, milk is no longer my friend either. What’s a girl to do? Cry into my beer instead of the moo juice? (Nah, cuz only a Mexican lager should have a salty aftertaste.) No – adapt! 

Considering the genus of this cookie’s name is the realization that the best cookies are made from butter and sugar, not wheat germ and carob (read the original post and this makes sense), I decided to confront my new reality head on. Almonds have declared me their enemy, so I turned to a worthy competitor. Thus is born the Macadamia Nut Reality Cookie Recipe. Just as delicious, and now with less discomfort. At least for me. 

Reality Cookies Redux

3/4 pound butter

1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 cup finely ground macadamia nuts

2 ½ cups unbleached white flour

1/2 cup mini M&Ms

1. Preheat oven to 275 and arrange racks so they are evenly spaced in the center of the oven.
2. Beat butter until fluffy. Add white and brown sugars and continue to beat until light and fluffy.
3. Add almonds and flour. Stir gently until almost completely combined.
4. Add M&Ms and stir just until dough comes together.
5. Shape dough into ping-pong size balls and place on cookie sheet. Lightly flour the bottom of a small glass, or palm of your hand and flatten each cookie to about ½ inch thick. Place an M&M in the center of each cookie and bake until very lightly golden brown and beginning to puff slightly in center (about 20 minutes).
6. Remove from the oven and transfer to racks to cool. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Makes about 32 cookies

*For an even chocolatier version, add 1/4 cup finely ground plain M&Ms. You won’t regret it.

If you try out either version of the recipe let us know about it in the comments. I’d also love to hear if you tweak it to make it your own. Most importantly, don’t keep this version of reality to yourself – like, share, comment and subscribe!

Thank you and happy baking!!

Do you feel like you can no longer face reality? Well, let me present you with a reality you’ll love! Just click the link below.

Don’t forget to share the joy this reality brings – like, share, comment and subscribe. Thanks and enjoy!!