Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Name: Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups chocolate chips; 1 cup walnuts, chopped

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home, and few recipes evoke that sense of warmth and nostalgia like chocolate chip walnut cookies. Whether you’re revisiting cherished childhood memories or creating new ones with loved ones, these cookies offer a delightful balance of chewy and crunchy textures combined with rich flavors. Trust me; once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked.

Why Make This Recipe

Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine while these cookies are baking.
The combination of gooey chocolate and crunchy walnuts is pure bliss.
They are an excellent treat for sharing with friends or family, or simply enjoying with a glass of milk.

Let’s dive into why this recipe stands out

These cookies are not only incredibly easy to whip up, but they also strike that perfect balance between sweet and nutty. The chocolate melts beautifully, creating a rich burst of flavor, while the walnuts add an unexpected crunch that you won’t be able to resist. They are perfect for any occasion, whether you want a quick snack or a dessert to impress guests.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Craving a sweet treat that’s sure to impress? Let’s get started on making these delectable chocolate chip walnut cookies together. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of homemade cookies in no time.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

To create these mouthwatering cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup walnuts, chopped

Now that you have everything on hand, let’s move on to the actual preparation.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your cookies bake perfectly once we’re ready to put them in.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial because creaming incorporates air into the batter, helping make your cookies light and tender.

Step 4: Add in the Eggs and Vanilla

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition to achieve a homogenous batter. Stir in the vanilla extract; this fragrant addition enhances the flavor profile of your cookies.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking the dry ingredients separately ensures a uniform distribution of the leavening agent that’s essential for your cookie dough to rise properly.

Step 6: Blend It All Together

Gradually blend the dry mixture into the creamed mixture, combining until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.

Step 7: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

Now comes the fun part! Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The chocolate and nuts create an irresistible texture.

Step 8: Get Baking

Using a tablespoon, drop dollops of cookie dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, leaving some space between each one to allow for spreading.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re lightly browned around the edges. The center will look slightly soft, but that’s what you want for chewy cookies.

Step 10: Let Them Cool

Once they’re out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Storage Tips for Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage recommendations:

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for about 3-4 days to retain their chewy texture.
For longer storage, refrigerate the cookies for up to a week at 40°F.
Freeze cookies for up to 2 months by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Ensure you separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

These chocolate chip walnut cookies shine on their own, but a few serving options can take them to the next level. Consider the following ideas:

Serve warm: A quick blast in the microwave for 10-15 seconds can rejuvenate old cookies, making them soft and gooey again.
Pair with ice cream: Create the ultimate dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream between two cookies for a delightful ice cream sandwich.
Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate with a side of chocolate sauce for drizzling, along with a few extra walnut pieces for garnish.
Serve with beverages: These cookies are happy companions to a warm cup of coffee, rich hot chocolate, or even a glass of milk.

Tips to Make Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Temperature matters: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for a fluffy texture. Don’t melt it entirely as melted butter can lead to greasy cookies.
Chill the dough: For an even deeper flavor, consider chilling your dough for 30 minutes before baking. This allows the ingredients to meld beautifully together.
Scoop sizes: For consistency, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough evenly. This will help ensure uniform baking.

Variations or Substitutions

If you want to experiment a bit, here are a couple of ideas to mix up your chocolate chip walnut cookies:

Nut allergies? Substitute walnuts with pecans or sliced almonds if someone has a nut allergy or prefers a different flavor.
Chocolate change: For a twist, experiment with white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips instead of traditional semi-sweet chocolate. They can create a whole new cookie experience.

FAQs

Q: Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just scoop and freeze the cookie dough balls. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Q: Can I use alternative sugars?
A: You can use coconut sugar or stevia as substitutes for a healthier option, but be aware that it may alter the flavor and texture slightly.

Q: What’s the secret to perfectly chewy cookies?
A: Using brown sugar in combination with granulated sugar adds moisture, which contributes to a chewy texture, while not overbaking is crucial for keeping them soft in the centers.

Q: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A: The edges should be golden brown but the centers will still look slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

These numbers can vary based on ingredient brands and any substitutions made, but here’s a general overview:

Calories: 172 kcal
Total Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Cholesterol: 33 mg
Sodium: 109 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 24 g
Dietary Fiber: 1 g
Sugars: 11 g
Protein: 2 g

Note: Nutritional information should be considered estimates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While making cookies seems straightforward, a few common pitfalls can lead to disappointing results. Here are precautions to ensure your cookie success:

Overmixing: Mixing the dough too much can create tough cookies. Aim just to combine the ingredients.
Cold ingredients: Baking with cold eggs or butter can hinder the creaming process. Always use room-temperature ingredients for better results.
Not using the right measurements: Baking is a science, and accurate measurements are key. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements if possible.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate chip walnut cookies are the quintessential comfort food that makes any moment feel special. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a festive gathering, these delightful cookies are sure to please everyone. So roll up your sleeves and get baking! The result will be warm, gooey cookies that everyone will adore. Happy baking!

Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Why Make This Recipe

Let’s dive into why this recipe stands out