Deluxe Welcome Cookies
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.
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.