Chocolate chip cookies with nuts

### Instructions

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.

#### 2. **Cream the Butter and Sugars**
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. The butter and sugar should be well-combined and light in texture.

#### 3. **Add the Eggs and Vanilla**
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

#### 4. **Mix the Dry Ingredients**
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.

#### 5. **Add the Chocolate Chips and Nuts**
Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts. You can use any type of nuts you like, but **walnuts** and **pecans** are the most common choices. They both add a rich, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate. If you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor, try adding **macadamia nuts**. The nuts should be evenly distributed throughout the dough.

#### 6. **Scoop the Dough**
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking. If you want larger cookies, feel free to scoop bigger portions of dough.

#### 7. **Bake the Cookies**
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. The exact time will depend on the size of your cookies and the type of oven, so keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking. If you prefer chewier cookies, pull them out a bit earlier, while they are still soft in the middle.

#### 8. **Cool and Serve**
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps the cookies firm up without breaking apart. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

### Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies with Nuts

– **Use room temperature butter**: Softened butter mixes more easily with the sugars, creating a smooth dough. If you forget to take the butter out of the fridge, you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften it, but be careful not to melt it.
– **Toast the nuts**: For extra flavor, consider toasting the nuts before adding them to the dough. Spread them out on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re fragrant and golden. This step enhances the nutty flavor and adds a deeper richness to your cookies.
– **Don’t overmix the dough**: Overmixing the cookie dough can lead to dense cookies. Mix the dry ingredients just until incorporated, and stop once the chocolate chips and nuts are evenly distributed.
– **Chill the dough**: If you have time, chill the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
– **Storage**: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer and then transfer them to a sealed container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months.

### Why These Chocolate Chip Cookies with Nuts Are So Irresistible

These **chocolate chip cookies with nuts** are the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the chocolate chips combined with the rich, nutty flavor of your chosen nuts creates an irresistible cookie that will have you reaching for just one more. The crunchy exterior and soft, chewy center make each bite a satisfying experience.

The addition of nuts takes these cookies to the next level, adding a delightful crunch and a slightly savory note that complements the sweetness of the chocolate. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or a few days later, these cookies stay delicious and chewy for days.

### Conclusion

**Chocolate chip cookies with nuts** are a delicious and easy way to elevate a classic favorite. The rich, buttery dough and the melty chocolate chips are even better with the addition of crunchy nuts, which bring a whole new layer of flavor and texture. Perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to holiday parties, these cookies will quickly become a go-to recipe. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible treats. You’ll have a hard time stopping at just one!