Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies: Grandma’s Irresistible Recipe

Is there anything better than the smell of cookies baking in the oven? Seriously, it’s like instant happiness! And when you pull out a batch of perfectly golden, gooey chocolate chip cookies… well, sharing them is almost as good as eating them (almost!). There’s just something so classic and comforting about a chocolate chip cookie, right?

But let’s be real, sometimes you want a *little* something extra. That’s where the walnuts come in! They add this amazing texture and nutty flavor that takes these cookies to the next level. So, if you’re looking for a reliable, totally delicious recipe for Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies, you’ve come to the right place!

I remember baking these with my grandma every Christmas. She always let me sneak a few chocolate chips (or maybe more than a few!). This recipe is my tweaked version of hers, and it always brings back those sweet memories. Trust me, these Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Quick and Easy to Make

Seriously, who has time for complicated recipes? This one’s super straightforward, and you can whip up a batch in under an hour. Boom! Fresh cookies in no time!

Classic Flavor Combination

Chocolate and walnuts? It’s a match made in heaven, right? That perfect blend of sweet and nutty is always a winner. You just can’t go wrong!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Need a treat for the holidays? Got a potluck to go to? Or just craving something sweet? These cookies are your answer. They’re seriously perfect for *everything*.

Customizable to Your Taste

Want to add a little something extra? Go for it! Throw in some different chips, maybe some spices… These cookies are totally adaptable to whatever you’re in the mood for!

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Baking Essentials

Okay, so first things first, you’ll need the basics: flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure you’re grabbing all-purpose flour here, not self-rising! Trust me; it makes a difference.

Sweetness and Flavor

For that perfect sweetness, we’re using granulated sugar *and* brown sugar. Don’t skimp on the brown sugar – it adds a yummy, chewy texture! You’ll want to pack that brown sugar when you measure out 3/4 cup. Oh, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract? Absolutely essential!

The Base

Now, for the good stuff: butter and eggs! Make sure your butter is softened – 1 cup (that’s 2 sticks!) of unsalted butter, nice and soft. And grab two large eggs. Room temperature is best, but don’t stress too much if they’re straight from the fridge.

The Stars of the Show

And finally, the stars! Chocolate chips, of course (I’m a semi-sweet kinda gal, but use whatever you like!), and 1 cup of chopped walnuts. Chopped is key here – you don’t want huge chunks, just nicely sized pieces for every bite!

How to Make the Best Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Getting Started

Alright, preheat your oven to 375°F (that’s 190°C for my friends across the pond!). While that’s heating up, grab your baking sheets. I like to use parchment paper for easy cleanup, but you can just grease them if you don’t have any.

Creaming the Butter and Sugar

This is where the magic starts! In a big bowl, cream together your softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. You can use a mixer (that’s what I usually do!), but a good old wooden spoon works just fine too. Keep going until it’s light and fluffy – it should look almost like whipped cream!

Adding Eggs and Vanilla

Now, crack in those eggs one at a time, beating well after each one. Then, stir in your vanilla extract. Mmm, that vanilla smell is the best, isn’t it?

Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt. This just makes sure everything’s evenly distributed. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until *just* combined.

Important Mixing Tip

Don’t overmix! Seriously, that’s the secret to soft cookies. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, and you’ll end up with tough cookies. No one wants that!

Incorporating Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

Time for the stars of the show! Gently stir in your chocolate chips and chopped walnuts until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Don’t be afraid to sneak a little taste of the dough… I won’t tell!

Baking the Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Drop by rounded tablespoons onto your ungreased baking sheets. I like to use a cookie scoop to keep them uniform. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until they’re golden brown around the edges.

Baking Time

Keep a close eye on them! Every oven is different, and you don’t want them to burn. You’re looking for that perfect golden brown color.

Cooling and Serving

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up a bit so they don’t fall apart. And then… enjoy! Seriously, is there anything better than a warm, gooey chocolate chip walnut cookie?

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Don’t Overmix

Seriously, I can’t stress this enough! Overmixing is the enemy of a good cookie. You want a soft, chewy texture, not a tough, cakey one. So, mix until *just* combined, and then stop!

Chill the Dough for Best Results

Okay, this is my secret weapon. If you have the time, chill your dough for at least 30 minutes (or even longer!) before baking. It makes a HUGE difference in the texture. The cookies will be thicker, chewier, and just all-around more amazing. Trust me on this one!

Use High-Quality Ingredients

Good ingredients = good cookies. It’s that simple! Splurge on the good chocolate chips, the real vanilla extract, and the fresh walnuts. You’ll taste the difference, I promise!

Properly Measure Flour

Flour is tricky! Too much, and your cookies will be dry and crumbly. Too little, and they’ll spread all over the baking sheet. I like to spoon my flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with a knife. No scooping straight from the bag! That packs the flour in and gives you too much.

Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Variations

Different Types of Chocolate

Okay, so you’re a chocolate lover, right? Me too! Don’t feel limited to just semi-sweet chips. Dark chocolate chunks? Yes, please! White chocolate chips? Ooh, fancy! Even different sizes of chips can change things up. It’s your cookie, go wild!

Add Spices

Want to add a little warmth? A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can take these cookies to a whole new level. My favorite part is adding a little ginger during the holidays!

Substitute Nuts

Not a walnut fan? No problem! Pecans or almonds would be delicious too. Just make sure they’re chopped and roughly the same size as the walnuts in the recipe.

Vegan Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Yep, you can totally make these vegan! Just swap out the butter for a vegan butter stick, use an egg replacer (there are tons out there!), and grab some vegan chocolate chips. Boom! Vegan cookies for everyone!

Storing Your Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Room Temperature Storage

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop ’em in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. Though, let’s be real, they probably won’t last that long!

Freezing Instructions

Want to save some for later? You totally can! Just freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for a couple of months. When you’re ready to nom, just thaw them out at room temperature. Still just as yummy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Okay, so you only have salted butter on hand? No worries! Just reduce the amount of salt you add to the dry ingredients by about 1/4 teaspoon. Taste the dough (yes, I said taste it!) and adjust if needed. Easy peasy!

Can I omit the walnuts?

Totally! If you’re not a walnut person (gasp!), you can absolutely leave them out. The cookies will still be delicious, just without that nutty crunch. You might want to add a little extra chocolate chips to compensate, though… just sayin’!

Why are my cookies flat?

Flat cookies are a bummer, right? There are a few reasons why this might happen. Maybe your butter was *too* soft (it should be softened, not melted!). Or maybe you didn’t measure your flour correctly (see my tip above!). Chilling the dough can also help prevent spreading. Don’t worry if it happens the first time – baking is all about experimenting!

How do I keep my cookies soft?

Soft cookies are the best! The key is to store them properly. An airtight container is a must! You can also toss in a slice of bread with the cookies – it’ll help keep them moist. Sounds weird, I know, but trust me, it works!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Okay, so let’s talk numbers. Now, this is just an estimate, because it really depends on the exact ingredients you use and how big you make your cookies. But roughly, one of these Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies will clock in around:

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 15g
• Protein: 3g

So, yeah, they’re a treat! Not exactly health food, haha! But hey, everything in moderation, right? Enjoy every delicious bite of those homemade Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies!

Enjoy Your Homemade Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Alright, cookie lovers, it’s your turn! Seriously, you HAVE to try this recipe. I promise you won’t regret it! And when you do, come back and let me know what you think! Rate the recipe, leave a comment – I wanna hear all about your Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie adventures!

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