There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, gooey chocolate walnut cookie. The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy walnuts is simply divine! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is for you. It’s surprisingly easy to make these bakery-worthy cookies in your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s get baking!
Deliciously Simple Chocolate Walnut Cookies
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create a cookie that’s bursting with flavor. You probably already have most of them in your pantry! The real magic happens when the chocolate chips melt into gooey pools and the walnuts toast to a fragrant crunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 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 semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Tools of the Trade
- Oven
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Baking Your Chocolate Walnut Cookies to Perfection
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed for perfectly textured cookies.
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Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This creates air pockets for a softer cookie.
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Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can result in tough cookies.
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Fold in Chocolate Chips and Walnuts: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Scoop and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
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Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are slightly soft.
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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.
Tips and Tricks for Baking Success
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs allows them to emulsify better with the sugar, resulting in a more even texture.
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Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can develop too much gluten, leading to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
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Chilling the Dough (Optional): For chewier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour before baking.
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Freezing for Later: You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
A Feast for the Eyes
Presentation matters! Arrange your freshly baked chocolate walnut cookies on a platter or in a cookie jar. For an extra touch, sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate.
Chocolate Walnut Cookies on a Plate
FAQs About Chocolate Walnut Cookies
Q: Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
A: Absolutely! Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips would be delicious in this recipe.
Q: Can I substitute the walnuts for other nuts?
A: Of course! Pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts would be tasty alternatives.
Q: My cookies turned out flat. What happened?
A: This could be due to using old baking soda, overmixing the dough, or not chilling the dough if your kitchen is particularly warm.
Close-Up of Chocolate Walnut Cookie Dough
Time to Indulge
There you have it – a simple and delicious recipe for chocolate walnut cookies that will satisfy your sweet cravings. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and experience the joy of baking these irresistible treats! Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with us in the comments below.
Looking for other cookie recipes to try? Check out our guides for how to make banana chocolate chip cookies and how to make curry cookies. Happy baking!
