Chocolate chip walnut cookies are a timeless treat that brings comfort and joy with every bite. The combination of rich, dark chocolate and crunchy walnuts makes these cookies irresistible. Their soft, chewy texture and delicious flavor create a perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply indulging yourself at home. With this recipe, you’ll not only learn how to bake these delightful cookies but also discover the little details that make them stand out.
Why We Love This Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Recipe
There’s something universally appealing about chocolate chip cookies, but when you add walnuts to the mix, you elevate a classic treat into something extraordinary. The smooth, melting chocolate paired with the crunchy, nutty flavor of walnuts creates an appealing texture that satisfies both your sweet cravings and your desire for something hearty. Plus, the aroma wafting through your kitchen as these cookies bake will have everyone eagerly waiting for that first warm bite. It’s a simple recipe that is not only delicious but also takes you back to childhood memories of baking and sharing cookies with loved ones.
Ingredients about Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
To make delicious chocolate chip walnut cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
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 chocolate chip walnut cookies is a straightforward process that doesn’t require any advanced baking skills. Here’s how you can whip up a batch of these tasty cookies:
- Begin by creaming together the softened butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to mix until the mixture is pale and creamy in texture. This step helps to incorporate air into the dough, ensuring a light and fluffy cookie.
- Once the sugars and butter are well combined, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until everything is fully incorporated. The egg not only adds moisture but also helps bind the ingredients together.
- In a separate bowl, combine your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk the dry ingredients together to ensure that they are evenly mixed. This helps distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour, ensuring an even rise.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix at this stage to maintain the cookie’s tender texture.
- Now comes the fun part! Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts gently into the dough, ensuring they are dispersed evenly throughout.
- Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop portions of the dough onto a lined baking sheet. For an extra touch, top each scoop of dough with more chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, which will look beautiful when baked.
- To enhance the flavors, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. This step allows the cookies to firm up a bit, which can help prevent spreading during baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for baking cookies, allowing for a good balance between a nice golden exterior and a soft interior.
- Once the oven is ready, place the baking sheet in and bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to turn golden brown while the centers remain a bit soft. Don’t worry; they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
- While the cookies are still warm, reshape them if needed by gently pressing them into a round shape. Then, sprinkle with flaky sea salt to enhance the flavor profile and finish.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Here, they’ll cool completely—if you can wait that long!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
These chocolate chip walnut cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them warm with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat. You can also pair them with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon break. For a dessert option, consider stacking a few cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in between, creating an irresistible cookie sandwich. Feel free to decorate your plate with a light dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate drizzle to impress guests. They also make for a lovely gift when wrapped nicely in a box tied with a ribbon.
Expert Tips: Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
To achieve the best results when making chocolate chip walnut cookies, remember these expert tips:
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Let your butter sit out for about an hour before starting. This helps it cream better with the sugars, making for a lighter, fluffier dough.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling your dough, as suggested in the recipe, not only helps control spread, but it also improves flavor, as the ingredients have more time to meld.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Use the scoop-and-sweep method for measuring flour. Don’t scoop directly from the bag, as this can compact the flour and lead to dry cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: Your cookies may look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven. Remember they will continue to cook on the baking sheet once removed, resulting in perfectly chewy centers.
- Experiment with Nuts: If you or your guests aren’t huge fans of walnuts, pecans or even macadamia nuts can be great alternatives.
How to Store Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
To keep your chocolate chip walnut cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week if kept sealed. If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze exceptionally well. Just ensure they cool completely before placing them in a single layer in a freezer bag. Flatten it out to remove air, seal it, and you can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Variation of Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
One of the joys of baking is the ability to customize recipes to suit your taste or dietary requirements. Here are a few variations you might consider for your chocolate chip walnut cookies:
- Vegan Option: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use vegan butter or coconut oil instead. Use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep it vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. This allows you to enjoy the same great flavors without gluten.
- Add Fun Mix-ins: Experiment by adding shredded coconut, dried cranberries, or even oats for extra texture and flavor. Each addition can give your cookies a new personality.
- Flavoring: Consider adding a sprinkle of espresso powder or a few drops of almond extract to the dough for a unique twist on the classic chocolate chip walnut cookie.
FAQ
What makes chocolate chip walnut cookies different from regular chocolate chip cookies?
The addition of walnuts provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the rich, melty chocolate, creating a delightful combination in every bite.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate in this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely substitute milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate if you prefer a sweeter cookie.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for golden brown edges and a slightly soft center. They may appear a bit underbaked when you take them out, but they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, roll it into balls, and freeze them for later. Just bake directly from the freezer, adding a minute or so to the baking time.
What if I’m allergic to nuts?
If you or anyone you are serving has a nut allergy, you can simply omit walnuts from the recipe entirely, and the cookies will still be delicious!