Directions to follow
Preheat the oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Mix it all together: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Fold in chocolate and walnuts: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, and walnuts, if using.
Scoop the dough: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each to allow for spreading.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for golden brown edges and slightly soft centers.
Cool before serving: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serving your chocolate chip cookies can be just as fun as baking them! Try these ideas:
- Warm with Milk: There’s nothing quite like a slightly warm cookie paired with a cold glass of milk. The combination is nostalgia wrapped in comfort.
- À La Mode: Serve a warm cookie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Gift a Batch: Wrap cookies in a decorative box or jar and share them with friends or colleagues as a thoughtful gift.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your cookies fresh longer, follow these storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing: If you want to enjoy them later, freeze the cookies by placing them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. They can last for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up.
- Reheating: To bring back that fresh-baked taste, lightly heat cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
Helpful cooking tips
- Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This will give you the right consistency for creaming with the sugars.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined to maintain the cookie’s chewy texture. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill Your Dough: For an extra layer of flavor and a thicker cookie, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Creative twists
Feel free to play around with the basic recipe:
- Nut Free: Omit the walnuts for a nut-free version or swap in sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.
- Flavored Chocolate: Experiment by using white or milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a different taste profile.
- Spices: Add a hint of cinnamon or espresso powder to elevate the flavors and give your cookies a unique twist.
Common questions
What is the preparation time for this recipe?
Prep time for these cookies is roughly 15 minutes, with an additional 10-12 minutes for baking.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can work in a pinch, it may not yield the same rich flavor and texture as unsalted butter. For optimal results, stick with butter.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for golden brown edges and a soft center. They will continue to bake a bit after being taken out of the oven, so don’t worry if they seem slightly underdone!
Try making these chocolate chip cookies for a delicious treat that brings everyone together and creates sweet memories!
