If you have ever met my grandmother, Donna, then you have been privileged to have eaten these cookies.These are her SIGNATURE cookies.
I can’t remember a time that I’ve gone to Idaho to visit her without these cookies making an appearance at some point during our visit.
There are a few things you should know about these cookies though before you dive in.
- These chocolate drop cookies are the LIGHTEST, FLUFFIEST cookies on the earth. I kid you not. You can leave these on the counter over night uncovered, and the next morning, still fluffy.
- Because they are light and fluffy you can easily eat multiple cookies without feeling bloated.
- The walnut on top is her signature. Any other nut just wont do in her book. It’s a walnut all the way. And Grandma does not skimp on her walnut. No broken ones either. A full walnut half is a must!
- This frosting does harden. It is not a stay soft forever frosting, which is perfect for keeping the walnut on top. It’s simple and delicious and has been the same frosting she’s made her entire life.
- Grandma believes that if you are mailing, or sending or traveling with these cookies, you should wrap them individually in sandwich baggies (the kind with a fold over top). She believes they travel better and stay together better when packaged individually!
This is one of those passed down through generations recipes that our family loves. It’s a simple recipe that isn’t packed with random ingredients.
If you’re looking for a tried and true, passed down through the generations family recipe, then this is a great one to make!
Grandma Donna’s Chocolate Drop Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 recipe for Grandma's Chocolate Cookie Frosting
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350*F
Cream butter and brown sugar together until smooth until fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Add egg, cocoa, buttermilk, vanilla and baking soda. Mix well.
Add flour and mix until combined. Mixture should be thicker.
While mixer is on, slowly add water.
Using a small cookie scoop, scoop cookies onto a lined cookie sheet.
Bake for 10 - 12 minutes.
Allow cookies to cool on pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Frost with Grandma's Chocolate Cookie Frosting
Top with whole walnut - Grandma's signature!
Connie
Saturday 27th of January 2018
Is there some sort of glaze on the walnuts?? They look sugary to me. Thanks so much!! I can’t wail to try this recipe!!!
Janelle
Thursday 1st of February 2018
Hi Connie! There is not a glaze on the Walnuts. They are just fresh from the bag. I'm guessing the "glaze" is just a little walnut dust from the bag.
Janice
Sunday 5th of February 2017
The 1/2 cup of cocoa, is that cocoa powder?
Janelle
Tuesday 14th of March 2017
Yes Janice, that is Cocoa Powder. Thanks for the clarification! I'll update the recipe. :)
Marta
Thursday 31st of December 2015
My mom used to make a similar cookie for Valentine's Day. A candy Conversation Heart was her signature, in place of the walnut. ; ) She passed almost 21 yrs ago. I have her recipe box and all of her cookbooks......do you think I can find THAT cookie recipe?!?! This is the closest I've seen, so thank you!!!
Janelle
Saturday 2nd of January 2016
Marta what a wonderful memory and a great way to turn these cookies into Valentine's Day Cookies! I'm so glad that this recipe can help bring back wonderful memories of your mother as well as help you to come close to her cookie recipe! I hope one day you find her recipe and can pass it along to future generations! Thank you so much for your comment! Made my day!