Decadent Brownie Walnut Chunk Cookies

If you completely adore the deep, rich flavor of brownies combined with the satisfying crunch of walnuts, then these Brownie Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies are destined to become your new favorite obsession. Imagine a warm, fudgy brownie magically transformed into a chewy, decadent cookie, each bite generously packed with toasted walnuts and generous chocolate chunks. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that truly captivates the senses!

These glorious walnut brownie cookies are so irresistibly soft and fudgy that you’ll find yourself reaching for just one more, until, much to your dismay, they’re all gone. But don’t worry, the joy of baking them again is just a few simple steps away! We’ve also included fantastic vegan and gluten-free options, ensuring everyone can indulge in these delightful treats without compromise. If you’re a fan of rich chocolate desserts, you’ll also love our Ultimate Gooey Brownies, these Fudgy Chocolate Chunk Brownies, and our Super Easy Homemade Brownies.

Why You’ll Be Obsessed with These Brownie Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Who can resist the magical combination of a rich brownie and a chewy cookie? These Brownie Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies bring together the best of both worlds, offering an unparalleled dessert experience. Each cookie delivers a delightful contrast: the molten, fudgy center reminiscent of your favorite brownie, complemented by the satisfying chewiness of a perfect cookie. The addition of crunchy walnuts provides an earthy counterpoint to the sweetness, while generous pockets of melted chocolate chunks burst with intense cocoa flavor.

It’s not just about the incredible taste; it’s also about inclusivity! Our recipe is thoughtfully crafted with flexible options, allowing you to easily adapt it for vegan and gluten-free diets. This means everyone at your table can enjoy these incredible treats, making them perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply a cozy night in. The combination of luxurious richness, satisfying crunch, and profound chocolatey goodness ensures these cookies are a delightful indulgence that consistently impresses.

As someone who proudly confesses to being “cookie, brownie, and chocolate obsessed,” I can confidently say that these brownie cookies hit all the right notes. Of all the sweets and desserts in the world, brownies are my ultimate weakness. There’s just something about their profound chocolatey depth and irresistible texture that I find impossible to resist. In fact, if you ever needed to extract information from me or request a favor, a plate of these delicious brownie cookies would likely be the most effective form of bribery!

Perhaps I’ve shared too much, but a fresh batch of these brownie cookies is always a welcome sight in my kitchen. And these particular brownie cookies, with their perfect blend of fudginess and chew, will certainly do the trick!

The Art of Baking the Perfect Brownie Cookie: A Detailed Guide

Creating these sensational Brownie Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies is a straightforward process, but a few key details will ensure your cookies turn out perfectly fudgy and flavorful every time. From selecting the right ingredients to mastering the baking process, follow this comprehensive guide to achieve cookie perfection.

Essential Ingredients for Your Brownie Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies

The foundation of any great cookie lies in the quality and precise measurement of its ingredients. For these brownie cookies, each component plays a crucial role in achieving that signature fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor. Pay close attention to these key items:

• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The star of the show, providing the deep, dark chocolate flavor. Ensure it’s measured correctly – a spoon and level method is best to avoid over-drying your cookies.
• Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: The combination of these two sugars is essential. Granulated sugar contributes to the crisp edges and overall sweetness, while brown sugar adds moisture, depth of flavor, and that characteristic chewiness we all love in a brownie cookie. You can adjust the ratio slightly; using more white sugar and omitting brown sugar will yield a slightly crispier cookie.
• Unsalted Butter (Melted): Melted butter is key for a fudgy texture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the total amount of salt in the recipe. For a vegan alternative, simply substitute with a high-quality dairy-free butter. Remember to let it cool slightly after melting.
• Applesauce (for Vegan Option) or Egg + Oil: Applesauce acts as a fantastic vegan egg replacer, adding moisture and binding properties without dairy. If you’re not going vegan, a large egg combined with two tablespoons of your preferred oil (like vegetable or canola) provides richness and structure.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer that elevates the chocolate notes and adds warmth to the cookies. Don’t skip it!
• All-Purpose Flour or Gluten-Free Flour: Again, correct measurement is paramount. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid a dense, dry cookie. For a gluten-free version, a reliable gluten-free all-purpose flour blend will work wonderfully.
• Baking Powder: Provides just the right amount of lift, ensuring your cookies are soft and tender, not flat.
• Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and intensifying the chocolate flavor. A small amount makes a big difference.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or Chunks: The more chocolate, the better! Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate for the best flavor. Chunks melt into gooey pockets, while chips hold their shape slightly more. Don’t forget extra for pressing onto the tops of the cookies for that irresistible visual appeal. For vegan cookies, Enjoy Life dairy-free chocolate chunks are an excellent choice.
• Walnuts (Roughly Chopped or Whole): The defining crunch and nutty flavor. Roughly chopping them ensures a good distribution throughout the cookie. Feel free to add more if you’re a true walnut lover – I often add a full cup for maximum crunch!
• Optional: Dried Cherries: For an extra layer of flavor and a touch of fruitiness, chopped dried cherries are a wonderful addition, especially to a portion of the dough for a delightful twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake Brownie Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Follow these easy steps to bring these sensational brownie cookies to life in your own kitchen:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line one or two cookie sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking, making cleanup a breeze.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and the cooled melted unsalted butter (or dairy-free butter). Next, add the applesauce (or the egg and oil combination) and the pure vanilla extract. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined and smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Carefully measure your all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour) using the spoon and level method. Add the measured flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Using a sturdy wooden spoon or a spatula, mix until a soft, thick dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
4. Fold in the Goodies: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips/chunks, the roughly chopped walnuts, and any optional add-ins like dried cherries. Distribute them evenly throughout the thick dough.
5. Portion and Shape Cookies: Using a small or medium cookie scoop (about 1½ to 2 tablespoons per cookie), drop portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. These cookies do not spread much, so you can press them down slightly to your desired thickness for a flatter, wider cookie, or leave them mounded for a thicker, chewier result.
6. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. For an ultra-soft and fudgy interior, aim for 8 minutes. If you prefer a slightly chewier cookie with a firmer edge, bake for 10 minutes. It’s crucial not to overbake; the cookies will appear soft when they come out of the oven but will continue to set as they cool.
7. Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This helps them firm up and prevents them from breaking when you transfer them. After 10 minutes, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Mastering Your Brownie Cookies: Tips, Tricks, and Creative Variations

Achieving the perfect brownie cookie goes beyond just following the steps; a few expert tips can elevate your baking, and creative variations can transform them into endless new delights.

Key Baking Tips for Success

• Butter Temperature is Crucial: When melting the butter, it’s vital to allow it to cool down before incorporating it into the other ingredients. While it can still be warm, it should never be hot. Hot butter can partially cook the egg (if using), make the dough excessively warm, and prematurely melt the sugar, all of which can negatively impact the final texture of your cookies.
• Don’t Overbake: Brownie cookies, like brownies, benefit from being slightly underbaked for that ultimate fudgy texture. They will continue to cook and set as they cool on the baking sheet and wire rack. Trust the process and err on the side of caution.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Using too much flour is a common baking mistake that leads to dry, crumbly cookies. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge rather than scooping directly from the bag.

Unleash Your Creativity with Exciting Add-ins

While the classic walnut chocolate chunk combination is superb, these cookies are incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with a range of delicious additions to customize your batch:

• Fruity Twists: Beyond dried cherries, consider dried cranberries, raisins, or even chopped apricots for a tart and chewy counterpoint to the rich chocolate. We added dried cherries to a portion of our dough, and they were absolutely superb!
• Different Chocolate Varieties: Swap out or add white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chunks, or even dark chocolate shavings for varying levels of sweetness and cocoa intensity.
• Nutty Surprises: Instead of or in addition to walnuts, try chopped pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for different flavor and texture profiles. Toasted nuts will enhance their aroma and taste even further.
• Candy and Treat Mix-ins: For an extra indulgent touch, fold in chopped peanut butter cups, crushed Oreo cookie chunks, mini M&M’s, or even caramel bits. The possibilities are truly endless, limited only by your imagination!

Tailoring Your Treats: Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Healthier Alternatives

We believe everyone should be able to enjoy these incredible brownie cookies, which is why we’ve made them incredibly adaptable to various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Delightful Vegan Brownie Cookies

Creating a vegan version of these brownie cookies is surprisingly simple and yields equally delicious results. The key lies in smart substitutions:

• Egg and Butter Replacements: Instead of a large egg, we utilize applesauce, which acts as a fantastic binder and adds moisture. For butter, simply opt for a high-quality dairy-free butter alternative. These substitutions ensure the cookies maintain their fudgy texture and rich taste.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate: Ensure all chocolate components are dairy-free. We highly recommend Enjoy Life Chocolate Chunks. They are consistently our preferred choice for these cookies, offering a rich flavor without dairy or added sugar, making them a healthier and equally delicious option. You can easily find them on Amazon or at most local grocery stores.

Whether you’re vegan or simply looking to incorporate more protein into your diet, it’s all about balance! Alongside your favorite treats, consider exploring additional protein sources. For instance, a Detailed Review of Free Soul Vegan Shakes highlights how they offer bonus nutrients that support fitness and overall health. That way, you can enjoy your brownie cookies and still meet your nutritional goals – it’s all about enjoying your favorites in moderation!

Guilt-Free Gluten-Free Brownie Cookies

Making these cookies gluten-free is incredibly straightforward. The main adjustment is the flour:

• Gluten-Free Flour Mix: Simply replace the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour mix. Many excellent blends are available on the market that are designed to behave much like traditional flour in baking. Ensure your chosen blend is suitable for baking cookies for the best results.

Healthier Swaps for Wholesome Indulgence

For those looking to enjoy these delightful treats with a healthier twist, there are simple modifications you can make without sacrificing flavor:

• Whole-Wheat Flour Integration: Replace all or half of the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour. This boosts the fiber content and adds a subtle nutty flavor. Combining half all-purpose and half whole-wheat flour is a great way to introduce healthier grains while maintaining a desirable texture.
• Applesauce Instead of Egg: As mentioned in the vegan option, using applesauce instead of an egg is also a fantastic way to reduce cholesterol and fat content.
• Sugar Alternatives: Opt for healthier sugar alternatives like Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetener. It’s an excellent sugar replacement that bakes beautifully. Combined with Enjoy Life chocolate chunks, you can significantly reduce the sugar content without compromising taste. If you’re interested in trying Lakanto products, feel free to use my 15% discount code: thebakingchocolatess15 at Lakanto.com.

Add Other Add-ins to Your Brownie Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies

• We added some dried cherries to a portion of the dough, and they were truly superb, adding a delightful tartness.
• Feel free to incorporate other favorites such as white chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter chips, various dried fruits, chopped peanut butter cups, hazelnuts, almonds, or pecans. You could even add crushed Oreo cookie chunks or colorful M&M’s. The possibilities are truly endless!

Storing Your Brownie Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Once your irresistible Brownie Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies are baked and cooled, you’ll want to ensure they stay fresh for as long as possible. Proper storage is key to maintaining their delightful fudgy texture and rich flavor.

• Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. Placing a slice of bread in the container can help keep them soft, as the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: For longer storage, you can freeze baked cookies. Once completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will keep well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for a fresh-baked feel.
• Freezing Dough: You can also prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it. Form the dough into individual cookie balls, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Brownie Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying these decadent brownie cookies:

• Q: Can I use different nuts instead of walnuts?
  A: Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts would all be delicious. You can also omit nuts entirely if you prefer, or use a mix of your favorites.
• Q: My cookies didn’t come out fudgy. What went wrong?
  A: The most common reason for non-fudgy cookies is overbaking. Brownie cookies should still look slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven. They continue to set as they cool. Make sure your oven temperature is accurate and try reducing your baking time by a minute or two next time.
• Q: How can I make these cookies extra chewy?
  A: Using slightly more brown sugar than white sugar can enhance chewiness. Also, baking them for the full 10 minutes (without overbaking) will give them a chewier edge while maintaining a soft center.
• Q: Can I add coffee powder to enhance the chocolate flavor?
  A: Yes! A teaspoon of espresso powder or instant coffee granules can significantly deepen and intensify the chocolate flavor without making the cookies taste like coffee. Add it with the cocoa powder.
• Q: Is it necessary to chill the dough?
  A: While this recipe doesn’t strictly require chilling, a brief chill (30 minutes to an hour) can help the flavors meld and may result in slightly thicker cookies. However, they are designed to bake well without it.

The Brownie Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookie is more than just a dessert; it’s a timeless classic that promises a memorable indulgence. Not only do these chewy, chocolaty treats boast a unique flavor and texture profile, but when made with our healthier options, they can also contribute healthy fats from walnuts and fiber from whole-wheat flour.

This truly indulgent recipe offers a wonderful way to enjoy the best of both worlds—rich, satisfying flavor and the flexibility to incorporate good nutrition whenever you choose to adapt it to be vegan, gluten-free, or healthier using whole-wheat flour and alternative sweeteners.

What are you waiting for? Let’s dive in and DEVOUR some awesome brownie cookies loaded with walnuts and chocolate chunks! Bring on the chocolate!

See Detailed Tips and Dietary Options in the Recipe Notes below!

More Delicious Desserts to Explore!

• Razzle Dazzle Raspberry Brownies
• Classic Chocolate Chunk Cookies
• Awesome Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake Dessert
• Irresistibly Fudgy Brownie Cookies
• Best-Ever White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
• Rustic Chunky Apple Walnut Cake
• Easy & Healthy Chunky Monkey Oatmeal Bars
• Comforting Pumpkin Walnut Bread
• More Chunky Apple Walnut Cake Inspiration

Recipe adapted from Cafe Delites