Few desserts can match the timeless appeal of a warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. With their crispy edges, chewy centers, and bursts of rich, melty chocolate, these cookies are a favorite across generations. Whether enjoyed with a cold glass of milk, as a mid-day snack, or shared at a family gathering, All-American Chocolate Chip Cookies never fail to bring comfort and joy.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating the perfect batch of cookies. These treats strike a delightful balance between sweetness and texture, with the addition of chopped walnuts offering a nutty crunch. Let’s dive into the details of crafting these quintessential cookies.
Ingredients
To make approximately three dozen cookies, you’ll need a mix of classic pantry staples and a few special additions. The base of the cookie dough combines butter and shortening, which together create a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Firmly packed brown sugar and white sugar contribute sweetness and a slight caramel undertone. You’ll also need an egg for structure and a splash of vanilla extract for warmth and depth.
For the dry ingredients, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt come together to form the dough. The stars of this recipe are semi-sweet chocolate chips, which provide pockets of rich chocolate, and chopped walnuts for an earthy, crunchy contrast.
Instructions
Start by creaming together the softened butter, shortening, brown sugar, and white sugar in a large mixing bowl. The mixture should be light and fluffy, ensuring the cookies have a tender texture. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until everything is well blended. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
Using a teaspoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto greased baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. The cookies are ready when their edges are golden brown, while the centers remain soft. Once baked, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Cookies
For cookies with an extra chewy texture, consider using bread flour in place of all-purpose flour. If you prefer a deeper caramel flavor, substitute dark brown sugar for light brown sugar. To elevate the flavor, try sprinkling a pinch of sea salt on top of the dough just before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Pair them with a cold glass of milk or hot coffee for a comforting snack. For a fun dessert, use them to make ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. They’re also a delightful addition to dessert platters or gift boxes during the holidays.
Storage
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the dough. Simply shape it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
FAQ
Can I make these cookies without nuts?
Yes, you can omit the walnuts if you prefer a nut-free version. You could also substitute with other mix-ins, such as dried cranberries or white chocolate chips.
Why use both butter and shortening?
Butter provides a rich flavor, while shortening helps the cookies maintain their shape and creates a softer texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. The dough can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.
Conclusion
All-American Chocolate Chip Cookies are the epitome of a classic dessert, beloved for their comforting taste and nostalgic charm. With this recipe, you’ll create cookies that are crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and packed with chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
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All-American Chocolate Chip Cookies
Description
Soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips and walnuts, these All-American Chocolate Chip Cookies are a timeless favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
• 2/3 cup butter, softened
• 1/3 cup shortening
• 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 (12 oz) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
1️⃣ Cream together butter, shortening, brown sugar, and white sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
2️⃣ Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; mix into the butter mixture.
3️⃣ Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts.
4️⃣ Drop dough by teaspoons onto greased baking sheets.
5️⃣ Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Cool on wire racks.