If you have ever experienced the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked DoubleTree cookies, you know there is something truly special about them. This DoubleTree Cookies Recipe captures that magic perfectly, blending a rich combination of buttery dough, chewy oats, melty semi-sweet chocolate chips, and crunchy walnuts into every bite. Whether you’re craving a comforting treat or want to impress your guests with a crowd-pleaser, this recipe brings together simple ingredients with classic technique to deliver a cookie that’s tender, flavorful, and downright irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect texture and flavor in these cookies. Each component plays a crucial role, from the richness of the butter to the slight tang of lemon juice that brightens the mix, all combining to create that iconic DoubleTree experience.
- 1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter, softened: Provides the creamy base and rich mouthfeel essential to classic cookies.
- 3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a desirable crisp edge.
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Contributes moisture and deep caramel notes with its molasses content.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients and add a tender crumb.
- 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor and aroma with warm sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice: Introduces a subtle brightness that balances sweetness
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure and foundation of the cookie.
- 1/2 cup rolled oats: Adds texture and a subtle nuttiness that complements the walnuts.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Leavens the dough for a light, tender bite.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor by balancing sweetness and bringing out nuances.
- Pinch of cinnamon: A warm spice note that adds depth without overpowering.
- 2 2/3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star of the show, creating melty pockets of chocolate bliss.
- 1 3/4 cups chopped walnuts: Offers crunch and a rich, earthy contrast to the sweet dough.
How to Make DoubleTree Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Cookie Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This lower baking temperature is key to achieving those perfectly chewy centers paired with gently crisp edges. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugars
Using a stand mixer set to medium speed, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar for about two minutes. This step incorporates air into the mixture, laying the foundation for a light, fluffy cookie texture.
Step 3: Adding Eggs, Vanilla, and Lemon Juice
Next, mix in the eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Start on low speed for 30 seconds to combine, then increase to medium and beat for about two minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. The lemon juice adds a subtle lift that enhances the overall flavor.
Step 4: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, salt, and a pinch of cinnamon. This ensures the dry elements are evenly distributed, which helps prevent pockets of baking soda or salt in your dough.
Step 5: Mixing Dry and Wet Ingredients
Add the dry mix to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, blending gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here to keep your cookies tender and avoid developing too much gluten.
Step 6: Folding in Chocolate Chips and Walnuts
With a spatula, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts by hand. This keeps the mix evenly distributed without breaking down these delicious add-ins.
Step 7: Portioning and Baking the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion about 3 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto your parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them roughly 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 20 to 23 minutes, or until the edges just turn golden brown while the centers remain soft.
Step 8: Cooling Your Cookies
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about an hour. This resting time is crucial—it lets the cookies firm up so the centers remain perfectly chewy and the edges keep their crisp texture. Patience here truly rewards you with perfect cookies.
How to Serve DoubleTree Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, you can adorn them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch. A sprinkle of finely chopped walnuts on top right after baking adds a rustic look and enhanced nutty aroma.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cup of rich coffee, or a creamy hot chocolate to elevate your enjoyment. Their balance of sweet and nutty flavors complements a variety of beverages, making for a cozy and satisfying snack or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful gift or party treat, arrange your DoubleTree cookies in a decorative tin or stack them tied with twine and a sprig of rosemary for a homemade touch. You can also sandwich your favorite ice cream between two cookies for an irresistible dessert variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover DoubleTree cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their texture and flavor for up to one week, ready whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Freezing
You can freeze both the cookie dough and baked cookies. For dough, portion it out and freeze in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap for up to three months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time. Baked cookies freeze well too—just place them in an airtight container with parchment paper layers to prevent sticking.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, gently reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave for about 10 seconds. This revives that just-baked softness and melty chocolate goodness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute the walnuts in the DoubleTree Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts provide a classic crunch and flavor, you can swap them for pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is the lemon juice necessary in this DoubleTree Cookies Recipe?
The lemon juice adds a subtle brightness that enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies. It’s a small ingredient making a big difference but can be omitted if needed.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
It’s best to use rolled oats for the texture they provide. Quick oats are finer and may create a different mouthfeel, resulting in a less chewy cookie.
Why do I need to let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for an hour?
Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet helps them firm up properly while keeping centers soft and edges crisp. Removing them too soon can cause them to fall apart or become too soft.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help maintain the cookie’s structure.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a wonderfully comforting—and yes, slightly addictive—DoubleTree Cookies Recipe that’s sure to become one of your favorites. Once you try baking these chewy, nutty, chocolate-studded gems, you’ll understand why they have such a devoted following. So grab your ingredients, get cozy in the kitchen, and start making memories one delicious cookie at a time!
Print
DoubleTree Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 26 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These classic DoubleTree cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips and walnuts. Known for their perfect balance of sweetness and texture, these cookies are a beloved treat that pairs beautifully with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. The recipe takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes including baking and cooling time, yielding 26 generously sized cookies.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of cinnamon
Add-ins
- 2 2/3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 3/4 cups chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer on medium speed, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to the creamed mixture. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds to combine, then increase to medium speed and beat for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, salt, and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix which can result in tough cookies.
- Fold in Chips and Nuts: Using a spatula, gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts into the dough for even distribution.
- Portion Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out about 3 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 20 to 23 minutes. The edges should be golden brown while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked for ideal chewiness.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 1 hour so they set properly and firm up before serving or storing.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to keep cookies tender.
- Using parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- The long cooling time on the pan helps the cookies set and achieve the perfect chewy texture.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or leave nuts out for a nut-free version.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days for best freshness.
