There’s nothing quite like biting into a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie—especially when it’s packed with crunchy, buttery walnuts. This Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe delivers the ultimate homemade cookie experience with soft, chewy centers and perfectly golden edges.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
High-protein snack thanks to nutritious walnuts
Perfect for bake sales, potlucks, and gifts
Soft and chewy texture with crispy edges
Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead baking
Customizable for any flavor preference
Ingredients Breakdown
Dry Ingredients:
2¼ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structur .
1 tsp baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and spread properly.
½ tsp salt – Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
Wet Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and ensures a tender texture.
¾ cup granulated sugar – Gives the cookies crisp edges.
¾ cup packed brown sugar – Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor.
2 large eggs – Bind the ingredients and add richness.
2 tsp vanilla extract – Boosts the overall flavor and aroma.
Add-Ins:
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – Melty, sweet chocolate in every bite.
1 cup chopped walnuts – Adds crunch and a nutty balance to the sweetness.
Tips and Tricks
Chill the dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading and create thicker cookies.
Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies.
Slightly underbake for chewier centers—cookies continue baking on the sheet.
Toast the walnuts beforehand for added flavor depth.
Variations and Customizations
Double Chocolate: Replace ½ cup flour with unsweetened cocoa powder
Nut-Free: Omit walnuts and replace with additional chocolate or dried cranberries
White Chocolate and Macadamia: Swap chocolate chips and walnuts for white chocolate and chopped macadamia nuts
Oatmeal Walnut Cookies: Replace 1 cup flour with quick oats for a heartier cookie
Pairing Suggestions
Serve warm with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee
Pair with vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent dessert
Perfect addition to a cookie platter for parties or gifting
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 3 months
Reheating Tip: Microwave cookies for 10 seconds for that fresh-baked warmth
Popular Questions
Can I use pecans instead of walnuts?
Yes, pecans are a great substitute and offer a sweeter, softer texture.
How do I make the cookies gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure all mix-ins are certified gluten-free.
Why did my cookies turn out flat?
This can happen if your butter is too warm. Chill the dough for better shape retention.