Name: Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 eggs, room temperature; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups walnuts, roughly chopped; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks; Flaked sea salt, for sprinkling

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 87 reviews

There’s something undeniably comforting about biting into a cookie that perfectly balances rich chocolate and crunchy nuts, and that’s exactly why the Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart. These cookies boast a golden, buttery base bursting with both chocolate chips and chunks, complemented by the earthy crunch of walnuts. Every bite marries sweetness, texture, and warmth, making them ideal for sharing with friends, gifting at holidays, or simply treating yourself to a homemade delight that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of several small glass bowls and a white measuring cup arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, each holding an ingredient: granulated white sugar in the top left, brown sugar in the center top, white flour on the top right, a white measuring cup filled with dark chocolate chunks on the middle left, a small glass bowl with a dark brown liquid (vanilla extract) in the middle center, two sticks of butter stacked on top of each other in the middle right, a small glass bowl with two whole white eggs on the right middle, a small glass bowl filled with dark chocolate chips at the bottom left, two tiny glass bowls holding white baking soda and salt in the center bottom, and a small glass bowl of walnut halves on the bottom right, all set in a balanced and organized layout photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential—each plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Recipe. From the creamy butter that lends richness to the walnuts adding crunch, every item is chosen carefully to elevate your cookie game.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the rich, creamy base that ensures tenderness and moisture in each cookie.
1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds deep molasses notes and keeps your cookies soft and chewy.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and contributes to a slight crispness on the cookie edges.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all flavors with warm, aromatic undertones.
2 eggs, room temperature: Bind everything together and add moisture for perfect cookie texture.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that shapes the cookie’s structure.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough, creating a tender crumb.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and heightens the other flavors.
1 1/2 cups walnuts, roughly chopped: Adds delightful crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor contrast.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Classic melty chocolate goodness to satisfy every sweet craving.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks: Bigger pockets of chocolate for bursts of intense flavor throughout.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and release effortlessly, making cleanup a breeze. Prepping the oven and baking surface early helps the process flow smoothly without any last-minute scrambling.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, setting the stage for tender cookies. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mixing each egg separately ensures everything emulsifies perfectly, creating a smooth, rich base.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Next, add in the flour, baking soda, and salt to your wet mixture. Using a low speed, mix just until everything comes together. Overmixing can produce tougher cookies, so be gentle here. The dry ingredients form the backbone of your dough, providing structure without sacrificing softness.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate and Walnuts

Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, chocolate chunks, and roughly chopped walnuts. This step is like adding the star ingredients to your dough—each piece scattered throughout promises melty chocolate and crunch in every bite. For an extra gourmet touch, sprinkle a little flaked sea salt on top before baking to enhance the flavors.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Using a large cookie scoop, place dollops of dough six per baking sheet since these are hearty cookies. Wet your hands slightly to gently press and flatten each dough ball—a simple trick to help them spread evenly while baking. Pop them in the oven for 15 minutes. The cookies will appear slightly underdone when you take them out, but that is exactly how you want them. Let them cool on the pan for 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack. This resting period lets them finish baking gently and develop that perfect chewy center with crisp edges.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Recipe

A close-up view of four chocolate chip cookies on a baking sheet lined with white parchment paper. Each cookie is round and flat, like one layer, with a golden brown edge and a pale beige center filled with chunks of melted dark brown chocolate. The baking sheet is silver and rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these cookies stand unforgettable on their own, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or even a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate their appearance and flavor. Adding a little extra texture on top enhances the sweet and salty balance that makes these cookies so addictive.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a glass of cold milk, refreshing iced coffee, or a warm cup of tea to complement their richness. The creamy drinks balance the robust chocolate and nutty crunch, making each bite feel like a mini celebration of comfort food.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, assemble a cookie sandwich using your favorite ice cream in between two warm cookies. They also make lovely additions to dessert platters at parties or tucked into gift boxes for friends and family, wrapped in rustic parchment with a twine bow for that homemade charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and fresh for up to five days—perfect for keeping your cookie fix handy throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to bake in advance, freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to three months; just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To revive the just-baked warmth of these cookies, microwave them for about 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This melty warmth brings back the fresh-from-the-oven magic that makes these cookies irresistible.

FAQs

Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?

Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts can be swapped in to suit your taste or dietary preferences, though walnuts add a signature flavor and texture to this recipe.

Why do my cookies spread too much?

It could be due to butter that’s too soft or dough that’s too warm. Try chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape better.

Can I use only chocolate chips or only chunks?

Yes, but using a mix offers a nice contrast—chips melt evenly while chunks create pockets of gooey chocolate that elevate the cookie experience.

How do I make these cookies chewier?

Utilizing brown sugar and not overbaking them is key. Also, removing from the oven when slightly underdone and allowing them to cool on the pan seals in that chewy center.

Are these cookies safe to make ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and bake fresh right before your guests arrive, ensuring maximum freshness and aroma.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend the Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Recipe enough when you want a classic cookie that feels both nostalgic and impressive. It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, indulge your senses, and create moments worth savoring. Grab your mixing bowl and whisk, because these cookies are about to become a delicious staple in your kitchen too!