Start by gathering all your ingredients. Ensuring the butter is softened and the eggs are at room temperature will make mixing easier and help create the ideal cookie dough consistency.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the perfect temperature when your cookies are ready to bake.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Continue mixing until the mixture is creamy and smooth, which will provide the cookies with their soft texture.
Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate them into the mixture. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Dissolve the baking soda in 2 teaspoons of hot water. This step ensures even distribution of the baking soda throughout the dough. Add the mixture to the batter along with the salt.
Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour until fully combined. This creates the base of the dough.
Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. The chocolate chips add a rich, sweet flavor, while the walnuts provide a delightful crunch (if you choose to include them).
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Ensure each portion is about 2 inches apart to prevent the cookies from spreading into each other while baking.
Place the baking sheets into the preheated oven. Bake the cookies for approximately 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers should remain soft for a chewy texture.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step ensures they firm up slightly while retaining their chewiness. Once completely cooled, serve and enjoy!
Opt for high-quality chocolate chips and pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference in the final product.
For even better cookies, consider chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much and enhances their flavor.
While walnuts and chocolate chips are classic additions, feel free to get creative! Try white chocolate chips, macadamia nuts, or even dried fruit for unique variations.
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough for future use.
