Dive into the rich, indulgent world of these Decadent Dark Chocolate and Walnut Cookies, a perfect treat for anyone who loves the deep, intense flavors of dark chocolate paired with the crunchy texture of walnuts. This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to switch up the add-ins based on your preferences, whether you're a fan of white chocolate and pistachios or prefer a burst of berries in your cookies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe: These cookies strike the perfect balance between crunchy and chewy, with a dough that's easy to mix and customize. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch of walnuts and the luxurious melt of dark chocolate chunks, making them a delightful snack for any occasion. Plus, they're just as enjoyable with a cup of coffee in the morning as they are as an after-dinner treat.
Perfect Occasion: Great for family gatherings, holiday cookie exchanges, or as a homemade gift, these cookies are sure to impress. They're also ideal for baking in large batches, so you can enjoy some now and freeze some for later.
Decoration Tips: For a festive touch, drizzle the cookies with melted chocolate after they cool, or sprinkle them with a dusting of sea salt or powdered sugar for extra flavor and visual appeal. If you're feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of edible glitter or colorful sugar to make them even more special.
Ingredients:
Basic Cookie Dough:
- 100g butter, at room temperature
- 60g granulated sugar
- 60g integral cane brown sugar
- 1 medium egg
- 170g flour
- A pinch of salt
- 4g baking powder
- 50g coarsely chopped walnuts
- 100g dark chocolate, roughly chopped
Variations:
- White chocolate and pistachio
- White chocolate with strawberries or blueberries
- Mixed chocolates (dark, milk, and white)
- Nuts only (such as almonds, pecans, or macadamia nuts)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- Cream the butter and both sugars in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and beat until fully integrated into the mixture.
- Sift in the flour, salt, and baking powder, gently folding into the mix until just combined.
- Stir in the chopped walnuts and dark chocolate pieces until evenly distributed.
2. Chill the Dough:
- Place the dough in the refrigerator while you preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). This step helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
3. Shape and Bake:
- Form the dough into balls of about 70g each, or to your preferred size, and arrange them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Bake for about 22 minutes, or until the cookies are golden and set. The baking time may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of your cookies.
4. Serving and Enjoyment:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve as is or alongside your favorite beverage. These cookies are a fantastic treat on their own or paired with coffee, tea, or milk.
Enjoy baking and indulging in these versatile, customizable Decadent Dark Chocolate and Walnut Cookies, guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and spark your culinary creativity with each delicious batch.
