Chocolate-Covered Nutty Cookies

Ingredients:

**For the Cookies:**
– 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (60g) chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts)

**For the Chocolate Coating:**
– 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or shortening
– 1/4 cup (30g) finely chopped nuts (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Cookies:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
– In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
– Mix in the vanilla extract.
– Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
– Fold in the chopped nuts.
– Shape the dough into small, oval or round cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

2. **Bake:**
– Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
– Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. **Prepare the Chocolate Coating:**
– In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable oil or shortening in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and fully melted.
– Dip each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate, coating them completely or partially, as desired.
– Place the chocolate-covered cookies on a parchment-lined tray.
– Sprinkle finely chopped nuts over the chocolate coating if desired.

4. **Set the Chocolate:**
– Refrigerate the cookies for about 20-30 minutes or until the chocolate is set.

These chocolate-covered nutty cookies make for a delicious treat with a satisfying crunch. Enjoy!