Name: Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies to Delight You
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 58 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened); 1 cup Brown Sugar; 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 large Egg; 1 large Egg Yolk; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 2 teaspoons Cornstarch; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (fresh); 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips; 1 cup Toasted Walnuts (chopped); Flaky Sea Salt (optional)

As I pulled the first batch of thick and chewy chocolate chip walnut cookies from the oven, the warm, nutty aroma wrapped around me like a cozy blanket. There’s something magical about the combination of gooey chocolate and crunchy walnuts that transforms any ordinary day into a special occasion. This classic dessert not only delivers a satisfying chewiness, but it also brings a delightful richness that makes it a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a home-baked treat. Plus, the best part? They come together in just a few simple steps, making them the perfect companion for those busy afternoons. Ready to elevate your cookie game and impress everyone with these delightful delights? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why are these cookies so irresistible?

Thick & Chewy: Each bite of these cookies provides a luxuriously thick and chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more.

Gooey Chocolate Centers: Enjoy the blissful experience of warm, melted chocolate chips that create gooey centers, perfectly paired with the crunch of walnuts.

Quick & Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Perfect for Any Occasion: From family gatherings to late-night snacks, these cookies are a crowd favorite—ideal for sharing or savoring solo.

Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough in advance and freeze it, so you can bake fresh cookies whenever cravings hit.

Customization Friendly: Want to mix things up? Try adding different nuts or alternate chocolate types; the possibilities are endless! For variations, check out these delightful Walnut Caramels Decadent or Chocolate Oat Cookies for more tasty inspiration.

Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Ingredients

• Perfect for chewy cookies!

For the Dough

Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; make sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture, creating that irresistible chewy texture; can substitute with coconut sugar.
Granulated Sugar – Gives sweetness and helps with browning; feel free to replace with sugar alternatives.
Egg – Adds structure and moisture, binding all ingredients together; use a flax egg as a vegan alternative.
Egg Yolk – Contributes extra richness that enhances chewiness; omit for a lighter texture.
Vanilla Extract – Intensifies flavor; try almond extract for a delightful twist.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; can be replaced with gluten-free flour if needed.
Cornstarch – Softens texture and adds chewiness; for a similar effect, use additional flour.
Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent for rise; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; kosher salt can be a great alternative.

For the Mix-ins

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Adds sweetness and richness, creating those gooey centers; mix with dark or milk chocolate if desired.
Toasted Walnuts – Introduces a delightful crunch and nuttiness; substitute with any preferred nut or omit for a nut-free version.
Optional: Flaky Sea Salt – Perfect for a sweet-salty contrast to elevate the cookies!

Dive into this delicious journey of baking and discover the magic of chocolate chip walnut cookies!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Step 1: Toast Walnuts
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the walnuts evenly on a baking sheet and toast them for about 8-10 minutes, or until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool before chopping into smaller pieces.

Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes. You want the mixture to become light and fluffy, creating the perfect base for your thick and chewy chocolate chip walnut cookies.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
To the creamed mixture, add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until well combined, ensuring the mixture is smooth and well-integrated. This will enrich your cookie dough, enhancing the overall texture and flavor of your cookies.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cookie dough to be perfectly blended but still tender.

Step 5: Fold in Mix-ins
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the toasted walnuts into the cookie dough. Use a spatula to ensure that the chocolate and nuts are evenly distributed throughout, giving each bite of your chocolate chip walnut cookies that delightful burst of flavor and texture.

Step 6: Chill Dough
Scoop the cookie dough into balls, using about 3 tablespoons for each cookie. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between them. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough, which helps your cookies maintain their thick shape during baking.

Step 7: Preheat Oven
While your dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prepare your baking space so that as soon as the dough is chilled, you can get those thick and chewy chocolate chip walnut cookies in the oven without delay.

Step 8: Bake Cookies
Place six cookie dough balls on each baking sheet, allowing room for spreading. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should be lightly golden at the edges while the centers remain slightly underbaked for that perfect gooey consistency.

Step 9: Cool Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy the heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen as you await the moment to savor your delicious thick and chewy chocolate chip walnut cookies.

What to Serve with Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Elevate your dessert experience with delightful pairings that will captivate your senses and complement the rich flavors of your cookies.

Glass of Milk: A classic choice, the creamy texture of cold milk balances the sweetness and enriches every bite.
Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavors of coffee contrast beautifully with the cookies’ sweetness, making for a perfect afternoon treat.
Ice Cream Sundae: Serve cookies warm over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that combines warmth and creaminess.
Chocolate Fondue: Dip cookie halves into rich chocolate fondue for an interactive and decadent treat—ideal for celebrations.
Fresh Berries: A side of tart raspberries or strawberries adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
Nutty Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of nutty hot chocolate enhances the walnut flavor in the cookies, creating a cozy combination.
Chopped Fruit Salad: Brighten up your plate with a mix of seasonal fruits that provide a burst of freshness to balance the cookies’ richness.
Spiced Chai Tea: The warming spices in chai tea complement the chocolate and walnuts, offering an aromatic experience with each bite.
Caramel Dipping Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over the cookies adds an extra layer of flavor, heightening the indulgence.
Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy whipped cream can soften the dense cookie texture and offer a delightful cooling element.

Make Ahead Options

These Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies are ideal for busy home cooks looking to streamline their baking routine! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance by scooping it into balls and refrigerating them in an airtight container. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months; just freeze the balls on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy freshly baked cookies, simply bake from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time. By prepping ahead, you’ll have warm, gooey cookies at your fingertips with minimal effort, making any day feel special!

How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their delicious chewy texture.

Freezer: For long-term storage, place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can last for up to 3 months.

Dough Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough in individual balls! Just scoop and place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a bag; bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or re-crisp in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.

Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize these cookies to fit your flavor profile or dietary needs.

Nut-Free: Omit walnuts entirely and substitute with sunflower seeds for a nutty crunch without the allergens.
Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor!
Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute along with dairy-free chocolate chips for a tasty, dairy-free version.
These cookies will still deliver that satisfying chewiness and flavor.
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies friendly for gluten sensitivities.
You’ll enjoy the same chewy texture without missing out on flavor.
Add Some Spice: Sprinkle in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor twist that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
It’s like giving your cookies a cozy hug!
Caramel Surprise: Add a tablespoon of caramel bits to the dough for an indulgent, gooey element in every cookie.
This will take your chocolate chip walnut cookies to a luxurious level.
Oatmeal Boost: Incorporate 1 cup of rolled oats for a heartier texture and a unique twist on the classic cookie.
This addition not only enhances the chewiness but also adds fiber.
Chocolate Lovers: Replace half of the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks or a mix of chocolate types for a more decadent experience.
It’s the perfect way to satisfy anyone’s chocolate cravings!
Cranberry Twist: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a sweet-tart contrast that brightens up the cookie flavor.
This fruity addition pairs wonderfully with the richness of chocolate and walnuts.

Which variation will be your favorite? If you’re in the mood for a different treat entirely, consider checking out these delightful Walnut Caramels Decadent or Cranberry Shortbread Cookies for more tasty inspiration!

Expert Tips for Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Temperature Check: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted; this creates the perfect texture for thick and chewy cookies.
Chill Time Matters: Don’t skip chilling the dough! It helps the cookies maintain their shape and results in a chewier texture.
Mix-In Balance: When adding chocolate chips and walnuts, aim for an even distribution; too many of one can affect the cookie’s overall consistency and flavor.
Perfect Baking: Keep a close eye on your cookies in the oven. They should be slightly underbaked in the center to achieve that gooey goodness.
Storage Wisdom: Store your chocolate chip walnut cookies in an airtight container for optimal freshness; they taste best within the first few days!
Creative Twists: Feel free to experiment with different nut combinations or chocolate varieties to create your unique take on these classic cookies!

Thick & Chewy Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right walnuts for my cookies?
Absolutely! When choosing walnuts, look for ones that are whole and free from dark spots or blemishes, indicating freshness. They should smell sweet and nutty. If they have a rancid or sharp smell, it’s best to avoid those.

How should I store my chocolate chip walnut cookies?
Very! To keep your cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. If you notice them starting to dry out, you can add a slice of bread to the container to help retain moisture.

Can I freeze my chocolate chip walnut cookie dough?
Absolutely! To freeze the dough, scoop it into individual balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months and baked directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to your bake time.

What if my cookie dough is too dry?
If your dough feels dry, it may be due to too much flour or not enough moisture. To fix this, you can add a splash of milk or an extra egg yolk. Mix gently until the dough comes together. Remember, a little at a time goes a long way, so add slowly and check the consistency.

Are these cookies safe for those with nut allergies?
Sure! If you or someone you’re serving has a nut allergy, simply omit the walnuts altogether. You might even consider adding more chocolate chips or trying a mix of seeds like sunflower seeds for a bit of crunch without nuts.

How long can I keep my baked cookies in the freezer?
Great question! Your baked chocolate chip walnut cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just ensure they’re in a single layer to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or reheat them gently in the oven.