If you have a soft spot for all things sweet and satisfying, you are going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Chip Cookies with Nuts Recipe. These cookies strike the perfect balance between buttery richness, sweet chocolatey goodness, and the satisfying crunch of nuts. Every bite offers that warm, chewy center surrounded by just-right crispy edges, and the nuts add a lovely depth of flavor along with a delightful texture contrast. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe is a guaranteed winner that feels both classic and special—like a little hug in cookie form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing these cookies is simple but every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that ideal taste and texture. From the creamy butter to the crunchy nuts, each one adds its own magic, whether it’s the softness of the dough or the irresistible sweetness that comes from that perfect mix of sugars.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): This gives your cookies that rich, tender crumb and allows you to control the saltiness better than salted butter would.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread evenly during baking.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Introduces moisture and chewiness while giving a subtle caramel note to the cookies.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add richness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the sweetness and layers in a warm, fragrant flavor.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The base of the dough, providing structure.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps cookies rise just enough for that perfect soft texture.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Supports an even crumb and lift.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness while enhancing the other flavors.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chunks (2 cups): These pockets of melty chocolate are the heart of the cookie—feel free to use chunks or chopped bars for that rustic feel.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1 cup, optional): Adds beautiful crunch and a toasty nutty flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies with Nuts Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by beating the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and light. This stage is essential because it traps air that will help give your cookies that soft yet slightly crisp texture.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This step brings moisture and flavor, creating a smooth and creamy base for the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these first ensures they’ll be evenly distributed throughout your dough, which means no unwanted pockets of baking powder or salt.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Carefully add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Overmixing at this point can develop gluten and lead to tough cookies, so keep it gentle and stop as soon as you can’t see any flour.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate and Nuts
Here’s where it gets exciting—fold in those luscious chocolate chunks along with your choice of chopped walnuts or pecans. This adds texture and bursts of flavor in every bite, making the cookies truly unforgettable.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Pop the dough into the fridge for at least one hour or, even better, overnight. Chilling the dough not only enhances the flavors but helps the cookies keep their shape and develop that perfect chewy texture.
Step 7: Prepare to Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Baking on a lined surface prevents sticking and makes cleanup surprisingly easy.
Step 8: Scoop the Dough
Scoop out generous spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets, leaving plenty of space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Top with extra chocolate chunks if you want that eye-catching, melty chocolate look on top of each cookie.
Step 9: Bake
Bake for around 12 to 14 minutes until the edges turn golden brown but the centers still look a touch underbaked. This is the sweet spot for soft, chewy cookies that aren’t dry or hard.
Step 10: Cool Them Down
Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting period lets them firm up just enough while the inside finishes cooking from residual heat, locking in that perfect gooey center.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookies with Nuts Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of a warm cookie right after baking. This contrast enhances the sweetness and highlights the chocolate and nutty flavors beautifully, offering a gourmet touch that’s both simple and memorable.
Side Dishes
Serve your cookies alongside a glass of cold milk or a frothy cup of coffee or tea. The creamy or bitter flavors in these drinks complement the rich, sweet cookie perfectly, creating a balanced and satisfying treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, make cookie ice cream sandwiches by pairing two cookies with a scoop of your favorite ice cream in between. You can also crumble them over desserts like pudding or yogurt for extra texture and flavor that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and chewy for up to a week. Keeping them sealed is key to preserving moisture and preventing them from becoming stale or hard.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, cookie dough freezes incredibly well. Scoop balls onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from frozen, just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth and softness, pop your cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or warm them briefly in a preheated oven. This makes them taste freshly baked and perfectly melty every time.
FAQs
Can I substitute nuts with other ingredients?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of nuts or have allergies, you can swap them out for dried fruit, seeds, or simply leave them out. The cookies will still be delicious and maintain their classic flavor.
Why should I chill the dough?
Chilling the dough solidifies the fats, which prevents cookies from spreading too much while baking. It also allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a richer and more complex taste.
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes, feel free to experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chunks. Each variety will bring a unique flavor profile, so pick what you love most!
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for golden edges with centers that still appear slightly soft and underbaked. They will continue to cook a bit on the hot baking sheet, ensuring a chewy middle rather than a dry, crumbly cookie.
Is it okay to use salted butter?
You can, but be cautious with how much extra salt you add to the dough. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the seasoning, but salted butter can work in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Cookies with Nuts Recipe is truly one of those baking pleasures you’ll want to keep close at hand for any occasion. It’s simple enough for everyday enjoyment but special enough to turn into a beloved tradition. The combination of chocolate, nuts, and perfectly balanced dough creates a cookie that’s impossible to resist—so grab your apron, bake a batch, and share some sweetness with those you love!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookies with Nuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 29 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic chocolate chip cookie recipe yields 24 deliciously soft and chewy cookies with a perfect balance of sweet, buttery dough and rich chocolate chunks. Enhanced with optional crunchy nuts, these cookies are ideal for any occasion and easy to prepare with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chopped chocolate
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until pale and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the cookie dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by mixing in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to distribute leavening agents evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to prevent overworking the dough.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the chocolate chunks and nuts if using, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.
- Chill Dough: Chill the dough for at least 1 hour or overnight to enhance the flavor and texture of the cookies.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Scoop Dough: Scoop cookie dough onto baking sheets leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading; optionally add extra chocolate chunks on top for a decadent look.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 12–14 minutes until the edges are golden and centers still appear slightly underbaked, which ensures a soft and chewy interior.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling the dough overnight intensifies the flavor and improves the texture.
- For a nuttier taste, substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- Do not overmix the dough to maintain tender cookies.
- If you prefer crispier cookies, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
