DOUBLETREE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Introduction

If you’ve ever checked into a DoubleTree hotel, you’ve probably experienced the warm welcome of their signature chocolate chip cookie. Famous for being soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips and walnuts, these cookies are more than just a treat—they’re an unforgettable experience. The good news? You don’t need to book a hotel stay to enjoy them. With this recipe, you can recreate the same iconic cookies in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible delights step by step.

My recipe story

My love for DoubleTree chocolate chip cookies started during a long layover in Chicago. After a long day of travel, the front desk clerk handed me a warm, fragrant cookie, and I instantly felt comforted. The perfect blend of oats, chocolate, and walnuts created a balance of chewy and crunchy textures that stuck in my memory.

Years later, I set out to recreate that same cookie magic at home. After experimenting with different ratios of oats, flour, and sugars, I finally landed on a recipe that not only matches the hotel favorite but even adds a touch of homemade charm. Now, I bake them often for friends and family, and they always bring the same joy I felt that day at the hotel lobby.

Ingredient breakdown

The magic of these cookies lies in the thoughtful combination of pantry staples with a few standout additions. Each ingredient plays a key role in replicating the iconic DoubleTree taste and texture.

Oats: Old-fashioned oats give the cookies a subtle chewiness without overwhelming the texture. They also add a hearty flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate and walnuts.

Flour and leavening agents: All-purpose flour forms the base of the cookie, while baking soda helps them rise just enough. Salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Sugars: A mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar provides both structure and depth of flavor. Brown sugar, in particular, adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like sweetness that’s key to a chewy cookie.

Butter, eggs, and vanilla: Creamed butter and sugars create the soft base of the dough, while eggs add richness and help bind everything together. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile.

Chocolate chips and walnuts: Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide melty, gooey bites in every cookie, while chopped walnuts add a satisfying crunch and nutty undertone. Both are essential to achieving the true DoubleTree cookie experience.

Equipment you’ll need

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Wire cooling rack
• Ice cream scoop or cookie scoop for even portions

Step-by-step directions

1. Prepare your ingredients: Start by measuring out all of your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Having everything ready ensures a smooth baking process.
2. Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step should take about 2–3 minutes, and it’s crucial for creating the soft texture of the cookies.
3. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. This creates a rich and well-emulsified dough base.
4. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. This prevents clumping and ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
5. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to dense cookies.
6. Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts: Using a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts. This step guarantees even distribution without overworking the dough.
7. Shape the cookies: Scoop out portions of dough using a cookie scoop and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. This spacing allows the cookies to spread evenly while baking.
8. Bake: Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
9. Cool and serve: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. Enjoy them warm or let them cool completely for a firmer texture.

Variations & substitutions

While the classic DoubleTree cookie is hard to beat, there are several ways to put your own spin on this recipe:

• No nuts: Simply omit the walnuts for a nut-free version that’s still delicious.
• Different chocolates: Try white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or even peanut butter chips for a unique flavor twist.
• Healthier swaps: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, or use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a more wholesome option.
• Add dried fruit: Dried cranberries, cherries, or raisins add a chewy, fruity contrast to the chocolate.
• Spiced version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder for extra warmth and depth.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

These cookies store beautifully. Once cooled, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven before serving.

If you prefer fresh-baked cookies anytime, scoop the dough into balls and freeze them raw on a tray. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Serving ideas & pairings

DoubleTree chocolate chip cookies are delightful on their own, but they pair wonderfully with other treats. Serve them warm with a glass of cold milk, or pair with coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. For an indulgent dessert, sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies. They also make a thoughtful homemade gift when wrapped in cellophane bags or packed into decorative tins.

FAQ

• Can I make these cookies without oats? Yes, but the oats add chewiness and texture. If omitted, the cookies may be slightly less hearty.
• Do I need to toast the walnuts? It’s optional, but toasting enhances their flavor and adds extra crunch.
• Why do my cookies turn out flat? Flat cookies often result from warm dough or too little flour. Chilling the dough usually solves this problem.
• Can I use margarine instead of butter? While margarine works, butter gives the best flavor and texture for this recipe.
• How do I get perfectly round cookies? Use a cookie scoop and lightly roll the dough balls before placing them on the baking sheet.

Final thoughts

Recreating DoubleTree’s chocolate chip cookies at home is a delicious way to capture the comfort of a warm hotel welcome in your own kitchen. With their chewy texture, rich chocolate, and crunchy walnuts, these cookies never fail to impress. Whether you bake them for family gatherings, holiday spreads, or simply a cozy night in, this recipe is bound to become one of your go-to favorites. So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and bring the iconic DoubleTree experience to life—one cookie at a time.

DOUBLETREE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 26–28 cookies
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These iconic cookies are chewy, chocolatey, and nutty, just like the famous DoubleTree hotel treat. Bake them at home for a warm, comforting delight.

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Ingredients

• ½ cup old fashioned oats

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs

• 2 ⅔ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1 ¾ cups chopped walnuts

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

3. In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then mix in vanilla.

5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.

6. Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts evenly throughout the dough.
7. Scoop dough into balls and place on prepared sheets about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake 18–20 minutes until edges are golden brown but centers are soft.

9. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.

Notes

 Chill dough for 1 hour before baking for thicker cookies. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze baked cookies for 3 months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American