Indulge in the perfect blend of all-purpose flour, ground oats, semi-sweet chocolate chips, walnuts, and a hint of cinnamon for a delightful cookie experience.
I remember the first time I checked into a DoubleTree hotel after a long and exhausting day of travel. Everything that could go wrong had indeed gone wrong, and I was ready to collapse. As I approached the front desk, I was greeted with a warm smile and handed a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. It was as if that one cookie had the magical power to wash away all the stress of the day. The aroma, the warmth, the gooey chocolate – it was an instant mood lifter. Inspired by that memorable experience, I decided to recreate that comforting and indulgent treat at home, and thus, the “Deluxe Welcome Cookies” were born. Now, every time I bake these cookies, I’m transported back to that moment of pure bliss, and I hope these cookies bring a little bit of that magic to your home too.
What makes this Deluxe Welcome Cookies special ?
These cookies are not your average chocolate chip cookies. They bring together a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that elevate the classic recipe. First, the ground oats add a subtle nutty flavor and a perfect chewy texture. The hint of cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic undertone that complements the rich chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts. The inclusion of a touch of lemon juice might sound unusual, but it works wonders to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile. Additionally, these cookies are made with melted butter, which gives them an irresistibly soft and tender crumb. Chilling the dough before baking ensures the cookies maintain their shape and have a perfect, slightly crispy edge with a soft center. These cookies are a true delight for the senses, making them an ideal treat for any occasion.
What do you need to make this Deluxe Welcome Cookies special:
These cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they are a sensory experience packed with layers of flavor and texture.
- All-purpose flour: The base of our cookie, providing structure.
- Old-fashioned or rolled oats: Ground into flour for a nutty flavor and chewy texture.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise perfectly.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic undertone.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to give the cookies a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar & granulated sugar: A blend for the perfect balance of sweetness and moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth to the flavor.
- Lemon juice: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star of the show, providing gooey chocolatey goodness.
- Walnuts: Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Steps to make this Deluxe Welcome Cookies
Follow these simple steps to create a batch of these irresistible cookies.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground oat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until they are well combined. This ensures that the baking soda and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Continue whisking until everything is well blended and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cookies tough. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape and Chill the Dough:
- Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into balls, about 2-3 tablespoons each. Place them on two parchment-lined baking sheets. Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or up to 24 hours. This helps the flavors meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the chilled dough balls from the refrigerator and gently flatten them with your palm. Arrange the cookies on the baking sheets, spacing them at least 1 1/2 inches apart. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are still slightly soft. If the cookies are smaller, bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for at least 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the cookies warm or at room temperature, and share them with friends and family for a delightful treat.
Deluxe Welcome Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned or rolled oats ground into flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup walnuts chopped
Instructions
- Preparation of Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground oat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk the ingredients together until they are thoroughly blended, ensuring the even distribution of the baking soda and spices.
- Preparation of Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter together with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is fully incorporated and smooth. Proceed to add the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is thoroughly mixed in before adding the next. Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Avoid over-mixing to ensure the cookies remain tender. Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shaping and Chilling the Dough:
- Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, form the dough into balls, each approximately 2-3 tablespoons in size. Arrange the dough balls on two parchment-lined baking sheets. Place the sheets in the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 1-2 hours, or up to 24 hours. This chilling process enhances the flavors and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Baking the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the chilled dough balls from the refrigerator and gently flatten each with the palm of your hand. Arrange the cookies on the baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced at least 1 1/2 inches apart. Bake the cookies for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers remain slightly soft. For smaller cookies, reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes.
- Cooling and Serving:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for at least 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve the cookies warm or at room temperature for optimal enjoyment.