Few things in life are as comforting and satisfying as a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie. Now, imagine that classic treat enhanced with a delightful crunch – that’s precisely what you get with chocolate chip and nut cookies! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results. So, preheat your ovens, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a baking adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a family favorite for a reason:
- Classic flavors with a twist: It combines the beloved taste of chocolate chip cookies with the satisfying crunch of nuts.
- Easy to make: The instructions are clear, simple, and perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts and chocolate to create your perfect cookie.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to gather to whip up a batch of these irresistible cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, or your favorite)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Gluten-free: For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Nuts: Allergic to nuts? No problem! Simply omit the nuts or replace them with an equal amount of rolled oats, shredded coconut, or additional chocolate chips.
Chocolate Chip and Nut Cookie Dough
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can also use a wooden spoon and some elbow grease.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Fold in chocolate chips and nuts: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts using a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Scoop and bake: Drop the cookie dough by rounded tablespoons onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake to perfection: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are slightly soft.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your warm, gooey, and nutty chocolate chip cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee!
Freshly Baked Chocolate Chip and Nut Cookies
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cookies
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Chill the dough (optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Use high-quality ingredients: Using high-quality chocolate and nuts will significantly enhance the flavor of your cookies.
- Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake. Overbaking will result in dry and crumbly cookies.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! This cookie dough freezes beautifully. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Q: What kind of nuts are best in chocolate chip cookies?
A: While walnuts and pecans are classic choices, feel free to experiment with your favorites! Macadamia nuts, almonds, and even peanuts can add a delicious crunch and flavor.
Q: Can I make these cookies without brown sugar?
A: While brown sugar adds a rich molasses flavor and chewiness, you can substitute it with an equal amount of granulated sugar if needed.
Conclusion
There you have it – a simple and foolproof recipe for incredibly delicious chocolate chip and nut cookies. These cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings, sharing with loved ones, or enjoying as a delightful treat any time of day. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of pure happiness! And while you’re at it, why not explore our other delectable cookie recipes, like our guide on how to make chocolate shortbread or our recipe for irresistible fudge cookies? Happy baking!
