Chocolate Nut Crackle Cookies

[Kitchen Witch]

Chocolate Nut Crackle Cookies


Ingredients:
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup unbleached, all-purpose white
flour
3 tablespoons dutch-process cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking power
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
1-1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons confectioners sugar


Instructions:
Put the rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400 degree's. Coat a cookie sheet with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper.
Using an electric mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until fluffy as snow. Beat in the flour, cocoa, baking powder and nuts. Pour in the oil and egg whites and beat on low speed until all is well blended. Press the sticky batter against the sides of the bowl until it is spread out about 1/3 inch thick. Place in the freezer to firm up, about 20 to 40 minutes. Don't freeze solid. Dust your hands with some of the confectioners sugar. Roll the dough into 1" balls. Place on the baking sheet. When all are on the tray, dust with confectioners sugar by putting some in a fine mesh metal sifter and shaking it over the cookies.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until they spread slightly and are not quite firm to the touch. If desired, dust with confectioners sugar again after the cookies have cooled on a wire rack.


Nutrition Facts:
Amount Per Serving: Calories 53
Fat 2 g,
Sodium 18 mg,


Quantity:
Makes 20 Cookies