Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Walnuts: The Comfort Dessert

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Cookies. There’s something about their warmth, their chewy texture, and the familiar aroma wafting through the kitchen that always brings comfort. Whether you’re winding down after a long day, surprising loved ones with a homemade treat, or indulging in a sweet snack during the weekend, few things hit the spot like a fresh batch of cookies.

But when it comes to cookies, some recipes stand out above the rest. One such classic is chewy chocolate chip cookies with walnuts. This variation of the beloved chocolate chip cookie introduces a delightful crunch with toasted walnuts while keeping that chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Imagine biting into a perfectly baked cookie, where the smoothness of semi-sweet chocolate chips meets the nutty richness of toasted walnuts, giving each bite an irresistible depth of flavor.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make these chewy chocolate chip cookies with walnuts in your own kitchen, you’re in the right place. This article is your ultimate guide, offering a step-by-step breakdown of the recipe, helpful tips, and answers to your most frequently asked questions. By the end, you’ll be ready to bake your own batch of these delicious cookies that are sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why These Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Walnuts Are a Must-Try

Before diving into the recipe itself, let’s explore why chewy chocolate chip cookies with walnuts deserve a place in your baking routine. These cookies strike the perfect balance between indulgence and sophistication, offering a texture and flavor profile that few other cookies can match. Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce recipe

• Perfect Balance of Texture: The chewy center, combined with the crunch of toasted walnuts, provides a satisfying contrast with every bite. You get the best of both worlds – a soft, gooey interior and a delightful, nutty crunch.
• Nostalgic and Comforting: There’s something inherently comforting about baking cookies. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe invites you to embrace the joy of homemade treats. Plus, it’s a recipe you’ll want to bake over and over again.
• Elevated Flavor: Toasting the walnuts before incorporating them into the dough adds an extra layer of depth to these cookies. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference, enhancing the nutty flavors and pairing beautifully with the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
• Ideal for Sharing: These cookies aren’t just a solo indulgence; they’re perfect for sharing. With large, generous portions, these cookies make a wonderful treat for gatherings, picnics, or even gifting to friends and family.

What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Walnuts

As with any great recipe, the key lies in using the right ingredients. Below is a list of what you’ll need to make these chewy chocolate chip cookies with walnuts. These ingredients come together to create the perfect dough with just the right amount of sweetness, chewiness, and nutty crunch.

Ingredient	Amount
All-purpose flour	1⅓ cups
Baking soda	¾ teaspoon
Salt	½ teaspoon
Cornstarch	1 tablespoon
Unsalted butter (softened)	½ cup
Brown sugar	⅓ cup
Granulated sugar	⅓ cup
Large egg	1
Vanilla extract	2 teaspoons
Semi-sweet chocolate chips	1 cup
Chopped walnuts	1 cup

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Walnuts

Baking cookies doesn’t need to be complicated, and with this straightforward recipe, you can have a batch of chewy chocolate chip cookies with walnuts in no time. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to cookie perfection.

Step 1: Toast the Walnuts

Toasting the walnuts is a small yet crucial step that enhances their flavor. When walnuts are toasted, they develop a deeper, richer flavor, which will elevate the taste of your cookies.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Spread the chopped walnuts evenly on a baking sheet.
• Toast the walnuts in the oven for about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
• Allow the walnuts to cool completely before adding them to your dough.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to combine the dry ingredients. This step ensures that the baking soda, cornstarch, and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough, contributing to the perfect texture.

• In a small bowl, whisk together 1⅓ cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
• Set the bowl aside for later.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

The next step is all about creating that perfect chewy texture. Beating the butter with the sugars helps incorporate air into the dough, making the cookies soft and tender.

• In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup of softened unsalted butter with ⅓ cup each of brown sugar and granulated sugar.
• Beat the mixture for 2-3 minutes, until it becomes light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla Extract

Now, we’ll add the egg and vanilla extract, which will bring richness and flavor to the cookies.

• Beat in 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
• The dough should have a smooth, creamy texture at this point.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Time to bring the two mixtures together. This step should be done carefully to prevent overmixing, which can affect the texture of the cookies.

• Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.
• Do not overmix, as this can cause the cookies to become dense or tough.

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Toasted Walnuts

• Gently fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of toasted walnuts.
• Make sure the chocolate chips and walnuts are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Chilling the dough is an essential step for achieving the perfect texture. This allows the dough to firm up, which will help the cookies hold their shape while baking.

• Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Now that your dough is chilled and ready to go, it’s time to bake.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F again if necessary.
• Scoop out 6 large dough balls and place them on a cookie sheet. Make sure there’s at least 2 inches of space between each dough ball.
• For an extra touch of chocolatey goodness, press additional chocolate chips on top of each dough ball.
• Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set, and the centers should no longer be glossy.
  • For chewier cookies, err on the shorter baking time. For firmer cookies, let them bake a bit longer.

Tips for Perfect Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Walnuts

To make sure your chewy chocolate chip cookies with walnuts come out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter is essential for creating a smooth, creamy dough that bakes into the perfect texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can cause your cookies to become tough. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
• Chill the Dough: It’s tempting to skip this step, but chilling the dough for at least 1 hour will result in thick, chewy cookies that hold their shape.
• Customize Your Cookies: Feel free to adjust the amount of chocolate chips or walnuts to suit your taste. You can even experiment with different types of nuts, such as pecans or almonds.

Nutritional Information for Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Walnuts

When it comes to cookies, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation, especially since they can be quite indulgent. Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional info for these cookies:

• Serving Size: 1 large cookie
• Calories: 420 per cookie
• Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes (including chilling time)
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes

Remember, these cookies are perfect for a treat or a special occasion, so enjoy them without any guilt!

FAQs About Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Walnuts

Can I substitute the walnuts with another type of nut?

Yes, absolutely! If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can use pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts. However, keep in mind that walnuts bring a unique flavor and texture, which will add a special touch to the cookies.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

It’s possible to make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. However, you may need to make a few adjustments to the recipe to ensure the texture remains perfect.

How do I store leftover cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the dough and bake fresh cookies whenever you like.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?

Yes, dark chocolate chips will create a more intense, less sweet flavor. If you’re a dark chocolate lover, feel free to swap in your favorite variety for a richer taste.

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