Are you craving a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie but want to elevate it to the next level? Then look no further! This recipe combines the comforting classic of chocolate chip cookies with the delightful crunch of walnuts, creating a truly irresistible treat. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick bake on a weeknight or a fun weekend baking project. Get ready to indulge in these homemade, delicious dishes!
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 makes cleanup a breeze!
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Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can do it by hand if you're feeling ambitious!
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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.
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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 some space between each cookie.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
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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 with a glass of milk – the ultimate comfort food!
Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Walnut Recipe:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened. This will ensure that it creams properly with the sugars, resulting in lighter and fluffier cookies.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
- Adjust the Walnuts: Feel free to adjust the amount of walnuts to your liking. You can use fewer, more, or even substitute pecans or other nuts.
Variations:
- White Chocolate Cranberry Walnut: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips and add dried cranberries for a festive twist.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle melted salted caramel over the cooled cookies for an extra decadent treat.
- Spiced: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the dough for a warm, comforting flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Around 150-200 (depending on size and ingredients)
- Fat: Around 8-10g
- Sugar: Around 15-20g
These are just estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients used. This easy recipe makes a healthy-ish treat you can feel good about enjoying! Enjoy these quick dinner ideas for your next family gathering or as a simple treat for yourself. These healthy meals are perfect for any occasion and are the best recipes you will ever try! Remember to store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness. Happy baking!