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Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Recipe

4.9 from 335 reviews

These Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies are a delightful treat featuring a buttery, soft dough loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips and toasted walnuts. The cookies are lightly crisp on the edges and tender inside, enhanced by a hint of vanilla and an optional sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt

Add-ins

  • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup toasted walnuts, chopped

Optional

  • Flaky sea salt for topping

Instructions

  1. Toast Walnuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the walnuts on a baking tray and toast them for 8 to 10 minutes until fragrant. Remove from the oven, let cool completely, then chop them coarsely.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes using an electric mixer at medium speed.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the whole egg, the additional egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt thoroughly to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
  5. Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until a soft cookie dough forms. Take care not to overmix, to keep the cookies tender.
  6. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Walnuts: Incorporate the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the toasted chopped walnuts into the dough evenly.
  7. Chill Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form the dough into balls and place them on a tray. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help solidify the dough, which helps prevent spreading during baking.
  8. Prepare to Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  9. Bake Cookies: Place the chilled dough balls on the prepared trays and bake for 11 to 13 minutes until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain slightly soft.
  10. Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, sprinkle with flaky sea salt while still warm for an extra flavor boost.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is essential for controlling the spread and maintaining a chewy texture.
  • Toasting walnuts intensifies their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch to the cookies.
  • Using a mix of egg and egg yolk contributes to the cookies’ richness and softness.
  • The addition of cornstarch helps create a tender crumb in the cookies.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Chocolate chip cookies, walnut cookies, homemade cookies, baked cookies, easy dessert recipe, classic cookies