If you’re on the hunt for a warm, comforting treat that ticks all the boxes for indulgence and texture, then look no further than this Chunky Cookies – A Chewy, Decadent Delight Recipe. These cookies are packed full of rich, melty chocolate chunks and a generous handful of nuts, creating an irresistible combination of gooey sweetness and satisfying crunch. Every bite offers a chewy center surrounded by slightly crisp edges, making these cookies an all-time favorite for anyone who appreciates the perfect balance between hearty ingredients and comforting softness. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply you need a pick-me-up, these chunky cookies will quickly become your go-to dessert craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe requires ingredients you likely have on hand, but each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect chewiness, sweetness, and texture that makes this recipe shine. From the rich butter that ensures a melt-in-your-mouth experience to the combination of nuts and chocolates that infuse each cookie with personality, these ingredients come together in harmony to create something truly special.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy base and helps achieve that perfect chewy texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor essential for chewiness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Contributes to a balanced sweetness and helps with a slight crisp on the outside.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness to the dough.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, giving the cookies a warm, inviting aroma.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure source that holds everything together just right.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread, creating that ideal chewy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks: Large pockets of gooey chocolate that make each bite luxurious.
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips: Adds creamy chocolate notes and extra meltiness.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts: Brings a toasty crunch and earthy depth.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: Offers a buttery, nutty flavor complementing the chocolate beautifully.
How to Make Chunky Cookies – A Chewy, Decadent Delight Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prep ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making both the baking and cleanup effortless.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter together with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and well combined. This is the magic step where your cookies start to develop their tender texture and rich flavor.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure they fully incorporate, adding depth and moisture. Then fold in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting scent and enhanced taste.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well prevents clumps and helps your cookies rise just perfectly.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the flour mixture into your butter-sugar-egg combination. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can make cookies tough, so take it slow!
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate and Nuts
Now for the fun part: gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chunks, milk chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, and pecans. These chunky bits give each cookie its signature decadence and texture.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart as they will spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden brown but the centers remain soft and tender.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting time lets them set perfectly, so they’re chewy but not doughy.
How to Serve Chunky Cookies – A Chewy, Decadent Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Sometimes simplicity is best—serve these cookies as they are to showcase their chunky textures and rich flavors. For a touch of elegance, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before baking to highlight the sweet and nutty notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these chewy delights with a cold glass of milk, a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a cup of hot coffee or tea. The contrast between warm, chewy cookies and a refreshing or soothing drink makes for an irresistible combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Assemble a cookie platter by stacking these chunky cookies with fresh berries, whipped cream, or drizzle some melted chocolate over the top. They also make a delicious cookie sandwich filled with peanut butter, Nutella, or ice cream for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store these Chunky Cookies – A Chewy, Decadent Delight Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft and perfect, place a slice of bread inside the container—it helps maintain moisture so the cookies stay delightfully chewy.
Freezing
If you want to save cookies for longer or prepare dough in advance, both options work well. Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Alternatively, shape cookie dough balls, arrange on a tray, and freeze until firm before transferring them to a freezer bag. This way, you can bake fresh cookies whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
Reheat cookies in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to revive that fresh-baked softness and gooey chocolate sensation. Microwaving for a few seconds also works in a pinch but be careful not to overdo it or they might get too soft.
FAQs
Can I substitute nuts if I have allergies?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the walnuts and pecans with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, or simply omit nuts to keep the recipe nut-free without sacrificing flavor and texture.
Why are my cookies not chewy but crumbly?
Overbaking or using too much flour can lead to crumbly cookies. Stick closely to baking times and measure flour accurately by spooning and leveling rather than scooping directly from the bag.
Can I use all chocolate chips instead of chunks?
Yes, you can use only chocolate chips, but the chunks provide varied texture and more intense pockets of chocolate that truly make these chunky cookies stand out.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes is optional but recommended if you want thicker cookies with less spreading. It also helps meld the flavors before baking.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes about 24 medium-sized cookies, perfect for sharing or keeping a stash for yourself.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Chunky Cookies – A Chewy, Decadent Delight Recipe. It’s a trusty, from-the-heart recipe that brings warmth, indulgence, and a little bit of magic to the kitchen. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and give it a try—you’ll be smiling with each bite, just like I do every time I make them.
Print
Chunky Cookies – A Chewy, Decadent Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chunky Cookies are a chewy, decadent delight perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Filled with a mixture of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chunks along with crunchy walnuts and pecans, these cookies combine rich chocolaty flavors and nutty textures in every bite. They are easy to make at home and bake into golden edges with a soft center, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aerates the dough for a tender cookie.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Stir in the vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in Chocolate and Nuts: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chunks, milk chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, and chopped pecans to evenly disperse them throughout the dough.
- Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough portions onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown but the centers remain soft to retain chewiness.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely for the best texture.
Notes
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps produce thicker cookies by reducing spread.
- You can customize the nuts and chocolate varieties to suit your taste preferences or dietary requirements.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
