Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Recipe

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There’s something undeniably special about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. It’s a scent that promises warmth, comfort, and a taste of home-sweet-home. For me, that comforting aroma is always tied to the delightful experience of baking chocolate chip walnut cookies. This recipe isn’t merely a method for creating a treat; it’s an invitation to weave together memories, indulge the senses, and share the joy of homemade goodness with loved ones.

As a child, I remember standing on a stool, eagerly watching my grandmother blend butter and sugar with a wooden spoon, her movements smooth and assured. The kitchen was a sanctuary where magic happened, and ingredients came together to create something far greater than their individual parts.

How to make Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Chocolate chip walnut cookies are a classic type of cookie made with a dough base that includes chocolate chips (small pieces of chocolate) and chopped walnuts. The dough is typically made from ingredients such as flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract, which are mixed together to form a cookie dough. Chocolate chip walnut cookies are beloved for their combination of sweet chocolate, nutty flavor from the walnuts, and the chewy texture of the cookie dough.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or use non-stick spray to ensure your cookies come off easily after baking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Walnuts: With a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts into the batter. Ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Scoop and Bake: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie for expansion. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
7. Cool Before Serving: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps the cookies set without becoming too hard.

Baking Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter that combines well.
• Walnut Size: Chop your walnuts into smaller pieces to ensure even distribution in each cookie and a consistent taste and texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Watch your cookies as they bake. Leaving them slightly underbaked in the middle ensures a soft, gooey center once they cool.
• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy for days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

What to serve with

When serving chocolate chip walnut cookies, pairing them with complementary beverages and snacks can elevate the entire experience. Whether you’re enjoying these cookies as a solo treat, with family, or at a social gathering, there are a variety of pairing options that can cater to different tastes and occasions.

Beverages

Milk

• Classic Pairing: Cold milk is the most traditional companion to chocolate chip cookies. It contrasts the sweetness of the cookies and cleanses the palate.

Alternative: For a lactose-free option, almond or oat milk can offer a subtly sweet, nutty flavor that complements the cookies well.

Coffee

• Morning or Afternoon Delight: A freshly brewed cup of coffee with its robust flavor can accentuate the chocolate’s richness and contrast the cookie’s sweetness.

Variations: Espresso offers a strong flavor, while lattes or cappuccinos provide a creamy texture that complements the cookie’s chewiness.

Tea

• Comfort in a Cup: Black tea or chai with their bold flavors balance the sweetness of the cookies, while herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile can add a refreshing note.

Sweet Touch: Add a dash of honey or milk to your tea for a smoother, sweeter sip that pairs well with the cookie’s richness.

Snacks

Ice Cream

• Decadent Duo: Serving a scoop of churro ice cream between two cookies creates an indulgent ice cream sandwich, perfect for warmer weather or as a special treat.

Flavor Play: To complement the cookie flavors, experiment with different ice cream flavors, such as coffee, caramel, or walnut.

Cheese Platter

• Sophisticated Twist: Pair cookies with a selection of cheeses for a balance of sweet and savory. Opt for milder cheeses like brie or cream cheese, which won’t overpower the cookies.

Add-Ons: Include fruits like apples or grapes and nuts for a complete platter that offers a variety of textures and flavors.

Fruit

• Fresh Contrast: Fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or bananas offer a refreshing, slightly acidic contrast to the rich, sweet cookies.

Dip or Side: Serve fruit on the side or consider a caramel or chocolate dip to add an extra layer of indulgence.

Dessert Wines

Port or Dessert Wine

• For an Adult Indulgence: A small glass of port, sweet sherry, or dessert wine can complement the deep flavors of chocolate and walnut, making for a sophisticated dessert pairing.

Pairing Tip: Choose a wine that matches the sweetness level of the cookies to ensure one does not overwhelm the other.

Ingredients Substitutes

When baking chocolate chip walnut cookies, using substitute ingredients can be an excellent way to cater to dietary restrictions, address allergies, or work with what you have on hand. Below are some common substitutions for various ingredients in the chocolate chip walnut cookies recipe, ensuring you can still enjoy these delightful treats no matter the circumstances.

Butter

• Unsalted Margarine: For those avoiding dairy, unsalted margarine can be used in equal amounts. This keeps the cookies vegan and lactose-free while still providing a rich flavor.
• Coconut Oil: If you’re looking for a slightly healthier butter alternative, coconut oil is a great option. Use it in solid form measured in a 1:1 ratio. This will also add a slight coconut flavor to the cookies.

Sugar

• Coconut Sugar: Coconut sugar can be used in a 1:1 ratio in place of granulated and brown sugar, providing a lower glycemic index and a deeper caramel-like flavor.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Honey or maple syrup can be used as a natural sugar substitute. Generally, ¾ cup of honey or maple syrup replaces 1 cup of sugar, but you’ll need to reduce the other liquids in the recipe slightly.

Eggs

• Applesauce: For a vegan option, replace each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce. This keeps the cookies moist but may slightly affect the texture, making it denser.
• Flaxseeds: A mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water, left to sit till it becomes gelatinous, can replace one egg. This also adds extra fiber.

All-Purpose Flour

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: For those with gluten sensitivities, use a gluten-free flour blend that can be substituted 1:1. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum if the original recipe depends on gluten for texture.
• Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier option, you can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will make the cookies denser and chewier.

Chocolate Chips

• Carob Chips: For a caffeine-free version of chocolate chips, carob chips can be used in a 1:1 ratio. They are naturally sweet and lower in fat.
• Cacao Nibs: If you’re looking for a less processed, more antioxidant-rich alternative, cacao nibs can be substituted for chocolate chips, though they will be less sweet and more bitter.

Walnuts

• Pecans or Almonds: If walnuts are not available or you prefer a different type of nut, pecans or almonds can be chopped and used in the same quantity.
• Seeds: For a nut-free alternative, you can use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds which provide a similar crunchy texture.

Vanilla Extract

• Almond Extract: If you’re out of vanilla, almond extract can be used. However, almond extract has a much stronger flavor, so use about half as much.
• Maple Syrup: In a pinch, maple syrup can double as a sweetener and a flavor enhancer, adding a different but appealing flavor profile to the cookies.

Final Thoughts

Baking chocolate chip walnut cookies is a delightful way to bring warmth and sweetness into any home. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’re not just creating cookies; you’re inviting joy, comfort, and a bit of nostalgia into your kitchen.

More Cookie Recipes:

• Sunshine Cookies
• Cookie Sandwich Recipe
• Potbelly’s Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies