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If you’ve ever been enamored by the famously irresistible treat served at hotels, then you will absolutely adore making the DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe at home. This recipe captures that perfect balance of chewy, buttery richness with just the right amount of chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts, creating a cookie that feels like a warm, nostalgic hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting classic, these cookies deliver an unforgettable flavor experience that’s both simple and spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy of baking these iconic cookies. Each element contributes something special to the recipe—from the oats adding a hearty texture to the hint of cinnamon and lemon juice bringing subtle warmth and brightness. These ingredients come together beautifully, ensuring each cookie is deliciously balanced and full of texture.
- Unsalted butter (16 tablespoons/2 sticks): Softened butter creates the base for a rich and tender cookie dough.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon): Adds sweetness and helps with that perfect golden-brown color on the crust.
- Light brown sugar (¾ cup packed): Brings moisture and a subtle molasses flavor that keeps the cookie chewy and flavorful.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together while adding richness and structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 ¼ teaspoons): Infuses the dough with warm aromatic depth.
- Fresh lemon juice (¼ teaspoon): A secret twist that brightens flavors and balances sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups): The foundational dry ingredient, providing structure to the cookie.
- Rolled oats (½ cup): Adds a chewy texture and subtle nuttiness.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Leavens the dough for a light, tender crumb.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, preventing the cookie from tasting flat.
- Ground cinnamon (pinch): A gentle warming spice that uplifts the overall flavor profile.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 ⅔ cups): The star of the show—melting pockets of chocolate throughout every bite.
- Chopped walnuts (1 ¾ cups): Adds crunch and a lovely earthy contrast to the sweet chocolate.
How to Make DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugars
Start by beating together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl or a stand mixer on medium speed. Your goal here is to get the mixture light and fluffy, which helps to incorporate air so your cookies bake with a soft but structured texture. This step primes the dough for that signature DoubleTree richness.
Step 2: Adding the Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice might seem unusual, but it adds a subtle brightness that cuts through the sweetness and enhances the other flavors without tasting citrusy. Mix until everything is smoothly incorporated.
Step 3: Combining the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of each dry component so every cookie is perfectly balanced and consistent.
Step 4: Marrying the Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed. Be careful not to overmix at this stage—overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the flour disappears and the dough starts to come together.
Step 5: Folding in Chocolate Chips and Walnuts
Using a spatula, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. These add irresistible bursts of chocolatey goodness and crunchy texture that make these cookies instantly memorable.
Step 6: Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Using a large cookie scoop (3 tablespoons), portion the dough evenly onto the sheets. Bake for 20 minutes until the edges are golden brown and set while the centers remain soft and chewy.
Step 7: Cooling and Finishing Touches
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes; this allows them to firm up slightly for easier handling. Then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This final cool-down ensures they develop that ideal chewy texture and prevent any sogginess.
How to Serve DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are stunning on their own, a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking can elevate the flavors beautifully. It adds a delicate crunch and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these warm cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of freshly brewed coffee to create a cozy indulgence. For a grown-up twist, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the cookie makes a simple yet decadent dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cookies stacked with wax paper between layers in a pretty tin for gift-giving, or sandwich two cookies around a dollop of creamy peanut butter or marshmallow fluff. You could even crumble them over vanilla pudding or yogurt to add texture and decadence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to a week—perfect if you want to savor them slowly or share with friends at work or school.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by layering them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy this classic treat anytime the craving strikes.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm, simply microwave a cookie for 10 to 15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to revive that just-baked softness and enhance the melty chocolate chips.
FAQs
Can I substitute the walnuts for another nut?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work great as alternatives, keeping the crunch and nutty flavor while offering a slight twist on the original texture.
Why is there lemon juice in the recipe?
The lemon juice is a clever addition to brighten the overall flavor and slightly balance the sweetness without imparting a lemon taste.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make this DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
What’s the best way to get soft cookies?
Baking at a lower temperature of 300°F and not overbaking ensures the cookies remain soft and chewy in the center, while gently crisping the edges.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, dark chocolate chips will add a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor. Just keep in mind this may slightly alter the sweetness balance, which some might love!
Final Thoughts
Making the DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe at home is more than just baking—it’s about recreating a cherished favorite that fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. Once you try these, you’ll find yourself reaching for the dough and oven again and again, eager to share this comforting delight with loved ones. So grab your ingredients and dive into creating these wonderfully chewy, chocolate-studded wonders. Happy baking!
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DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 26 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe replicates the iconic hotel cookie, delivering soft, chewy, and buttery cookies packed with semi-sweet chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for cookie lovers seeking a classic treat with a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 16 tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar + 1 tablespoon
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¼ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
Add-ins
- 2 ⅔ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 ¾ cups walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth texture for the cookies.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon juice until the batter is well combined and uniform, infusing subtle flavors that enhance the overall taste.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, salt, and a pinch of ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cookies.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Walnuts: Using a spatula, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts to evenly incorporate the chunks without breaking them up.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Portion and Bake Cookies: Use a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons) to portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown with edges set but centers still slightly soft.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set perfectly and achieve the ideal texture.
Notes
- For softer cookies, do not overbake; remove once edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Ensure butter is fully softened to achieve the fluffiest dough.
- Using fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor subtly without making the cookies tart.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or skip nuts for a nut-free version.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
