Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies with Nuts: The Perfect Blend of Crunch and Sweetness

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. **Toast the Nuts (Optional)**: If you want an extra depth of flavor, you can lightly toast the nuts before adding them to the dough. To do this, spread the nuts on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for about 8–10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they’re golden and fragrant. Let them cool before adding them to the dough.

#### Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
1. **Mix the Dry Ingredients**: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
2. **Cream the Butter and Sugars**: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
3. **Add the Eggs and Vanilla**: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until combined.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
5. **Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Nuts**: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

#### Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies
1. **Scoop the Dough**: Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to 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.
2. **Bake**: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
3. **Cool**: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

#### Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cookies have cooled, serve them with a glass of milk or enjoy them on their own. These **Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies with Nuts** are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re snacking, sharing with friends, or gifting them to someone special.

### Why These Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies with Nuts Are So Delicious:

1. **Perfectly Balanced Texture**: The combination of chewy cookie dough, melty chocolate chips, and crunchy nuts creates the perfect contrast of textures. Every bite offers something different, keeping you coming back for more.

2. **Rich, But Not Overly Sweet**: The brown sugar and granulated sugar add just the right amount of sweetness, while the nuts provide a savory balance. This makes these cookies rich and indulgent, but not overwhelmingly sweet.

3. **Customizable**: Whether you prefer walnuts, pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts, you can customize the nuts to suit your taste. You can also add more or less chocolate depending on how chocolatey you want your cookies to be.

4. **Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor**: With just a few basic pantry staples, these cookies come together quickly, delivering a delicious homemade treat that’s sure to please anyone who takes a bite.

5. **A Hit for All Ages**: These cookies are a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike. They’re the perfect dessert for family gatherings, parties, or any occasion where a delicious, homemade treat is needed.

### Tips for the Perfect Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies with Nuts:

– **Don’t Overmix the Dough**: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can result in dense, tough cookies.
– **Chill the Dough (Optional)**: If you want to make the dough ahead of time or if you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
– **Use High-Quality Chocolate**: The quality of the chocolate chips can make a big difference in the flavor. Opt for high-quality semisweet chocolate for the best results.
– **Adjust the Nut Size**: If you prefer smaller pieces of nuts, chop them more finely. If you like a chunkier bite, leave the nuts in larger pieces.
– **Store Properly**: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

### Final Thoughts:

These **Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies with Nuts** are the perfect treat for any chocolate lover. With their rich flavor, delightful crunch, and gooey chocolate chips, they’re sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy the perfect blend of crunch and sweetness in every bite!