Pepper & Walnut Chicken Nugget Cookies

April Fools!

This fun Chicken Nugget shaped cookie will surprise your family and friends when they bite into it and realize it is not chicken. That's exactly what my husband did...in fact and I quote...

"this is delicious dear but, it doesn't taste like chicken and what's this red stuff?"....we had a big laugh and he quickly consumed a few more!

This Pepper Walnut cookie has a tinge of spice and is deliciously scented with orange rind.

It is a one bowl cookie easily mixed by hand.

The Strawberry sauce is wonderful for dipping but, the cookie is delish on its own too!

This would make a great gag gift or surprise everyone at Halloween too!

Step 1: Ingredients

Cookie Dough

3 cup flour

2 tsp baking powder

3/4 cup margarine, softened butter, oil or coconut oil*

1 zested orange

1 tsp or black pepper, less if you don't enjoy spice!

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 lg eggs

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 chopped walnuts

2 cup finely ground walnuts or almonds

*coconut oil used at room temp is flavourful and makes a fine crumb in this cookie

Step 2: Mixing

Mix the pepper, shortening, sugar, rind, eggs and extract together with a fork.

Pour the flour and baking powder over the whisked ingredients.

Stir until crumbly, add the walnuts.

Using your hands knead together in the bowl.

(this foolproof dough doesn't even have to be kneaded well)

Rip off small chunks and form into rough forms resembling chicken nuggets.

Place on a silpat/parchment/sprayed baking sheet 2" apart.

Bake in a 325F preheated oven for 20min. until lightly golden.

Remove and cool completely.

Step 3: Strawberry Ketchup

Strawberry Ketchup
1 cup hulled washed diced strawberries

2 tbsp. sugar

2 tbsp. water

Place ingredients into a small saucepots.

Bring to a boil, stir to prevent scorching.

Cook for 5 min on med. heat.

Puree in a food processor or blender.

Strain through a sieve.

This can be served at room temp or refrigerated up to 3 day in advance.

Step 4: White Chocolate & Nut Coating

2 cup or more white chocolate chips

4 tbsp. butter or coconut oil

2 cup or more of ground walnuts or almonds

Melt the chips in a microwave for 1 min. with shortening

Stir to melt. If it does not melt, microwave for another 30 sec. until chips melt.

Dip the cookies into the melted chocolate.

Roll carefully into the nuts crumbs. Place on a parchment/wax paper lined baking sheet to dry.

Serve with some Strawberry Ketchup!

Enjoy with love.