Chocolate chip walnut cookies bring together the rich flavors of dark chocolate and crunchy walnuts, creating a delightful treat that’s hard to resist. With their perfectly chewy interior and crispy edges, these cookies are not just a dessert; they’re a comforting bite of nostalgia. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or just craving something sweet, this recipe will guide you through creating cookies that will impress your family and friends.
Why We Love This Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Recipe
What makes this chocolate chip walnut cookies recipe a favorite among bakers? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors! The combination of melted dark chocolate and crunchy walnuts provides a delightful contrast, while the hints of cinnamon elevate the taste profile. These cookies are not overly sweet, allowing the chocolate to shine through. Additionally, the process of making them is simple and quick; you can enjoy warm cookies right out of the oven in less than an hour. They also pair perfectly with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee, making them a go-to snack for any occasion.
Ingredients about Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
Creating your batch of chocolate chip walnut cookies is effortless with the right ingredients. Here’s what you will need to bake this mouth-watering treat:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 6 oz dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (plus more for topping)
- 1 cup walnuts (chopped + more for topping)
- Flaky sea salt (for topping)
How to Make Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Directions
Making these delectable chocolate chip walnut cookies is as easy as following a few straightforward steps. Start by creaming together the softened butter and sugars in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large bowl using a hand mixer. Beat them until the mixture turns pale and creamy; this should take about three minutes. Next, incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, beating until everything is combined smoothly.
While your mixer is working, grab a separate bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This step is crucial, as it ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout your cookie dough. Once your dry ingredients are combined, slowly add them to the wet mixture, mixing until everything is just incorporated.
Now it’s time to fold in the star ingredients: the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. Use a spatula to gently mix them in, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Once your dough is ready, scoop out portions using a medium-sized scoop or about two tablespoons per cookie. Place these dough balls side by side on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between them to allow for spreading. For a finishing touch, top each dough ball with some extra chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. This not only adds visual appeal but also extra flavor.
Refrigerate the cookie dough for around thirty minutes; this helps to solidify the dough and results in chewier cookies. While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
After the dough is chilled, arrange six cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving at least two inches of space between each one. Bake these tasty treats for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Once they come out of the oven, use a round cookie cutter to reshape them into perfectly round cookies right away. Finally, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top for that extra flavor boost. You can continue this process with the remaining cookie dough, and soon enough, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
Serving chocolate chip walnut cookies is all about presentation and pairing. You can enjoy these cookies warm right out of the oven, or you can let them cool down to room temperature. Either way, they will be scrumptious! Consider serving them on a beautiful platter, perhaps with a side of milk, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
For a bit of flair, you can layer the cookies in a glass jar for a rustic look or place them inside a decorative box for gift-giving. These cookies also make wonderful additions to a dessert table at parties or gatherings. If you want to create a fun dessert bar, provide various toppings such as whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or fresh fruit to complement your cookies.
Expert Tips: Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
Baking the perfect chocolate chip walnut cookies requires some expert tricks up your sleeve. First and foremost, make sure your butter is softened but not melted; this will ensure that your cookies have the right texture. If you forget to take your butter out of the fridge in advance, you can cut it into small cubes and microwave it for about 10-15 seconds to soften it slightly.
Don’t skip refrigerating the dough! This step is crucial for developing depth in flavor and ensuring that your cookies don’t spread too much during baking. Also, consider using a mix of chocolate chips and chopped chocolate for added richness.
If you prefer a chewy cookie, avoid overmixing the dough once you add in the flour; mix just until combined. The use of dark brown sugar in the recipe gives your cookies a deeper caramel flavor and enhances moisture, leading to a chewy texture. Lastly, allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack; this helps them set properly and maintains their shape.
How to Store Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
To keep your chocolate chip walnut cookies fresh, make sure to store them in an airtight container. If you want to enjoy them at their best, place parchment paper between the layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking together. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week, but they might not last that long once your family gets a taste!
If you have a significant batch and want to keep them even longer, consider freezing them. Let the cookies cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Frozen cookies can maintain their quality for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, just take out the desired number of cookies and allow them to thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the oven for a couple of minutes to regain that freshly baked taste.
Variation of Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
While the classic chocolate chip walnut cookie is already a culinary delight, there’s always room for variation! You can easily switch up ingredients to create your unique take on this treat. For instance, if you like a hint of spice, try adding a dash of nutmeg along with the cinnamon for an extra cozy flavor profile.
If you’re a fan of white chocolate, consider mixing in white chocolate chips or chunks with the dark chocolate. Alternatively, you can incorporate other nuts; pecans or almonds can change the cookie’s texture and flavor.
For a twist on the classic recipe, you could swap out half of the flour for oats, creating a chewy oatmeal chocolate chip walnut cookie. Have fun experimenting with different mix-ins, such as dried cranberries or coconut flakes, for a refreshing twist. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative based on your tastes and preferences!
FAQ Section
Are chocolate chip walnut cookies vegan?
No, this chocolate chip walnut cookie recipe contains butter and an egg, which are not vegan-friendly. However, you can substitute these ingredients with vegan butter and a flax egg to make a vegan version.
How long do chocolate chip walnut cookies last?
When stored in an airtight container, chocolate chip walnut cookies can last up to a week at room temperature. For a longer shelf life, consider freezing them.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! You can replace dark chocolate with milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter cookie. Just keep in mind that the overall flavor will be different.
Can I use different nuts in chocolate chip walnut cookies?
Yes! While the classic recipe calls for walnuts, you can easily experiment with other nuts like pecans or hazelnuts to personalize your cookies.
What causes my cookies to be flat?
Flat cookies may result from overly soft butter or too much sugar in the dough. Ensure that your measurements are accurate and that your butter is softened but not melted before beginning the mixing process.
These chocolate chip walnut cookies are a delightful addition to your baking repertoire. With their rich flavors and satisfying textures, you’ll find yourself baking them time and again!
Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened) Make sure your butter is softened but not melted.
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 6 oz dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (plus more for topping)
- 1 cup walnuts (chopped + more for topping)
- flaky sea salt (for topping) Sprinkle on top before baking.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cream together the softened butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until pale and creamy, about three minutes.
- Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, beating until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and chopped walnuts with a spatula.
- Scoop out portions of dough using a medium-size scoop (about two tablespoons per cookie) and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Top each dough ball with extra chocolate chips and chopped walnuts.
- Refrigerate the cookie dough for around thirty minutes.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place six cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving at least two inches of space between each one.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Use a round cookie cutter to reshape the cookies right after they come out of the oven for a perfect round shape.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for added flavor.
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