Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies? Then look no further! This recipe for chocolate chip cookies with walnuts takes a classic dessert and elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness. The addition of crunchy walnuts provides a delightful textural contrast to the soft, chewy chocolate chip cookie base, creating a truly irresistible treat. Perfect for a cozy night in, a bake sale, or simply satisfying a sudden sweet tooth, this recipe is surprisingly easy and delivers exceptional results, making it a must-try for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. Get ready to experience the ultimate homemade cookie!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
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Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works best for this step. Don't rush this part; proper creaming is key to achieving that perfect cookie texture.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Add Chocolate Chips & Walnuts: Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts.
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them.
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature – they're delicious either way!
Tips for Perfect Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a better texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This also helps prevent spreading.
- Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Nuts: Substitute pecans, macadamia nuts, or a mix of nuts for the walnuts.
- Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or a combination. White chocolate chips would also be a delicious addition.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced cookie.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 12-15g
- Protein: 2-3g
Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.
This recipe for delicious chocolate chip cookies with walnuts is a wonderful addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a quick dinner idea if you're looking for a simple dessert to complete your meal, and it's a great way to show off your homemade cooking skills. Enjoy these best recipes and share them with your loved ones!