Mrs. B. Wm. Warren's Prize Butter Cookies

Mrs. B. Wm. Warren's Prize Butter Cookies: A Southern Classic with a Dash of Nostalgia 🍪✨
Today, we're diving into a recipe that's as Southern as sweet tea on a porch swing - Mrs. B. Wm. Warren's Prize Butter Cookies from Asheville, North Carolina.
These little gems are the kind of cookies that make you close your eyes and hum with happiness after the first bite. They're buttery, nutty, and rolled in a snowy dusting of powdered sugar, just like your grandma used to make. 🏡🍪
Mrs. B. Wm. Warren's Prize Butter Cookies
*What You'll Need:*
- 1  sticks (6 oz.) of good ol' butter (none of that margarine nonsense, now)
- 5 tablespoons of confectioners' sugar (the fine, powdery kind that melts like a dream)
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour (the backbone of any good cookie)
- 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract (none of that imitation stuff)
-  teaspoon of almond flavoring (just a whisper, but it makes all the difference)
- 2 cups of chopped nuts (pecans or black walnuts, depending on what's in your pantry)
- 2 tablespoons of ice water (to keep things cool and smooth)
- A pinch of salt (because even sweet things need a little balance)
1. Start by creaming that butter and sugar together until it's light and fluffy. This step is key, so don't rush it, sugar.
2. Slowly add in the flour, followed by the vanilla, almond flavoring, nuts, ice water, and that pinch of salt. Mix it all up until it comes together in a soft, pliable dough.
3. Now, here's the fun part: pinch off little pieces of dough and roll them into "finger" shapes. Think slender little logs, about the size of your pinky.
4. Lay those little fingers out on a greased cookie sheet and pop 'em in a moderate oven (325F) for 20 to 30 minutes. You'll know they're done when they're just barely golden around the edges.
5. Once they're out of the oven, let 'em cool for a minute, then roll each one in powdered sugar. Mrs. Warren's trick? Toss 'em one at a time in a paper bag with a little powdered sugar. It's messy but oh-so-effective.
This recipe makes about 36 cookies, but trust me, they'll disappear faster than you can say "bless your heart." 🍪✨
The Story Behind the Recipe 🕰️🍪
Now, let's talk about where these cookies come from. Asheville, North Carolina, is a place where the air smells like pine trees and the food tastes like home. It's a city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where folks take pride in their cooking and their hospitality.
Mrs. B. Wm. Warren was clearly a woman who knew her way around a kitchen, and these cookies are proof of that. They're simple but elegant, just like the best Southern recipes always are. "️🍪
Back in the day, cookies like these were a staple at church socials, family reunions, and holiday gatherings. They're the kind of treat that makes you feel loved, even if you're just eating them alone with a cup of coffee. And let's not forget the nuts - pecans and black walnuts are as Southern as it gets. They add a little crunch and a whole lot of flavor, making these cookies truly special. 🌰✨
Why These Ingredients Matter 🧈🍯
1. **Butter**: Oh, honey, butter is the heart and soul of these cookies. It's what makes them rich, tender, and downright irresistible. Don't you dare skimp on it.
2. **Confectioners' Sugar**: This isn't just for rolling the cookies in - it's also in the dough, giving them a delicate sweetness that's not too overpowering.
3. **Flour**: The foundation of any good cookie. It gives these little fingers their structure without making them tough.
4. **Vanilla and Almond Flavoring**: These two are like the dynamic duo of baking. The vanilla is warm and comforting, while the almond adds a subtle nuttiness that'll have folks asking, "What's that secret ingredient?"
5. **Nuts**: Pecans or black walnuts? That's up to you.  Either way, they add a lovely crunch and a touch of Southern charm.
6. **Ice Water**: Just a splash to bring the dough together. It's a little trick that keeps the cookies tender.
7. **Salt**: A pinch might seem small, but it's mighty. It balances the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.
Who Was Mrs. B. Wm. Warren? 🕵️‍♀️🍪
Now, I'll be honest - I don't know much about Mrs. B. Wm. Warren herself. But I can tell you this: she was a woman who knew how to bake. Her recipe is a testament to the kind of home cooking that's passed down through generations, the kind that doesn't need fancy gadgets or exotic ingredients to be unforgettable. She was likely a woman who took pride in her kitchen and loved sharing her creations with family and friends. And isn't that what Southern cooking is all about? 🏡❤️
Asheville: A Culinary Gem*🗺️🍴
Asheville, North Carolina, is a city that's as rich in flavor as it is in history. Known for its vibrant arts scene, stunning mountain views, and farm-to-table dining, it's a place where food is more than just sustenance - it's a way of life.
Mrs. Warren's recipe reflects that perfectly. It's simple, honest, and made with love, just like the best Southern dishes always are. 🌄🍪
Why You'll Love These Cookies '-🍪
These Prize Butter Cookies are more than just a recipe - they're a little piece of Southern history. They're the kind of cookies that make you feel like you're sitting on a porch swing, sipping sweet tea, and listening to the crickets chirp. They're buttery, nutty, and just sweet enough to satisfy your cravings without going overboard. And that powdered sugar coating? It's like a little kiss of sweetness on top. 🍪'
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your mixing bowl, preheat that oven, and get to baking. These cookies are waiting to bring a little Southern charm to your kitchen. And who knows? Maybe they'll become a family favorite, just like they were for Mrs. Warren. Happy baking 🍪✨
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