Macadamia Nut Cookies for an Aussie Themed Party

Macadamia nut, chocolate chip cookies.

I recently gave a little dinner party for family and friends, some of whom will be traveling to Australia this summer.  Although the barbecue and trimmings were catered, I wanted to make a dessert that would fit into the Aussie theme for the party.  I understand a traditional dessert in Australia is pavlova, but I wasn't keen to experiment with that. (However, my interest in this dessert has been piqued, and I plan to try making this before the summer ends.)

Pavlova, a popular dessert in Australia and New Zealand. (Photo from Wikipedia.)

Since macadamia nuts are native to Australia (not Hawaii as many believe) I decided to make macadamia nut cookies.  Here's the recipe I found from Taste of Home. 

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour 
1 teaspoon baking soda 
1 teaspoon salt ( I omitted the salt, because the macadamia nuts I used were salted.)
2 jars (3-1/2 ounces each) macadamia nuts, chopped 
2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips 
1 cup (6 ounces) white baking chips  

Directions 

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. 

Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture and beat for 2 minutes. Stir in nuts and chips. Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight.

 Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on pans for 1 minute before removing to wire racks; cool completely. Yield: about 6 dozen.

Chill in refrigerator for a few hours.

 

Drop by spoonfuls onto baking sheet.

 

Cool on rack.

Ready to serve.

 These are easy to make and are quite delicious.