When I made brown sugar walnut biscuits, Will announced that they were the best biscuits he'd ever had. Ever since, whenever I ask him what sort of cookies I should re-stock the jar with, they are his answer. He still can't quite catch on that I can't make the same thing every week or I'll have nothing to write about!
I did give in and make him another batch a few weeks later, which promptly disappeared but since then there has been a noticeable cookie absence. I know, what a disgrace.
As if the cookie gods were appalled by my remissness and needed to get be back in the dough-rolling business, this month's Sweet Adventures Blog Hop theme was announced... Cookie Monster. Meant to be. I must congratulate Sophie from The Sticky and Sweet for choosing such a great theme.
Seeing as I refuse to recreate the favourite cookie again, I thought I'd try a variation. Something that was different enough to be a new recipe but still held a few of the best bits of the original, i.e. the brown sugar and walnuts which seem to be such an amazing combination. Double chocolate walnut biscuits were born.
These little morsels of chocolaty goodness are crunchy around the sides but have an almost cake-like texture on the inside. This was my aim, I love a two-texture cookie and the choc-chunks and walnuts added a little extra crunch and excitement. A touch of ginger gave a nice little flavour boost.
I must say, I won't be disappointed if I have to make these again. Enjoy!
Recipe
Ingredients
- 200 g 7oz butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract I used vanilla bean paste
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 ¾ cup plain all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa
- ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- ½ cup coarsely chopped toasted walnuts
- ½ cup chopped dark chocolate
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 170C (370F) fan-forced and line two baking trays with baking paper.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter, vanilla, sugar and egg together until smooth and creamy.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa, soda and ginger and beat them through until just combined then add the chocolate and walnuts and stir until incorporated.
- Using a level tablespoon of dough at a time, roll the dough into balls and place on the lined trays leaving at least 3 cm between each one.
- Bake biscuits for 12 minutes and then leave to cool on the trays for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container when cool.
Rachel says
I have the exact same problem with my boyfriend! He doesn't get the need for variety in what I bake; although he is a very willing test subject.
These look so delicious, I've always loved the combination of crunch with chew (who doesn't) I can wait to give these a go; maybe I can smuggle some fruit in there?
Claire says
I'd say you could Rachel.
Chris says
They look very lovely. I like that you added vanilla and ginger. That gives them a special something.
Claire says
Thanks Chris. I thought so!
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes says
"I can’t make the same thing every week or I’ll have nothing to write about!" That made me laugh. It is hard for family and friends to understand that. One reader asked me if I wanted to remake it why did it take me so long. So many recipes, so little time. I love a good chocolate cookie.
Claire says
That's exactly it Barbara. Not enough hours in the day!
Nic says
These look and sound delicious. Only one problem though, I'm allergic to walnuts. Do you think they'd work with other nuts?
Claire says
I'm sure they would Nic. Pecans would be closest but anything would work.
Prue @ The Culinary Library says
Yes these do remind me of a friends recipe for walnut & dark choc brownies which were actually amazing and I'm not really a brownie fan. And I know what you mean about a house to eat your baking goods... I can't wait until miss charlie (6 months now!) grows up and I can bake for her and her friends, will be very dangerous!
Claire says
Oh what fun that will be Prue!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Hehe that sounds like a repeat conversation with Mr NQN when he asks if we can go to the same dumpling place again! Poor spouses of food bloggers. Well actually lucky Will to have these!
Claire says
Oh how they suffer!
Sally says
Claire these look delicious, almost like an afghan without the cornflakes! They are on my list :)
Liz @ I Spy Plum Pie says
Chocolate & Walnuts are such a great pairing - these look delicious. I'm lucky that I live with a house full of housemates who will eat anything I bake (even things I didn't think were that successful!) so any repetition is purely my own doing!
Claire says
Oh how I wish I had more people in the house to eat the food so I don't!
The Café Sucre Farine says
What Claire, no crinkles or crackles? :) OK, even without these cookies look scrumptious but I hope they passed the "Will test"!
Claire says
Haha nope I'm venturing out Chris!
Stephanie@Henry Happened says
The combination of brown sugar and walnuts does sound like a cookie jar miracle!
Claire says
It is indeed!
JJ - 84thand3rd says
I do adore a cake-y cookie, chocolate ginger and walnuts sound brilliant. RJ has told me I'm not allowed to make the Snickerdoodles any more since he can't stop eating them, I'd say that's a success on this end too ;D Thanks for joining SABH!
Claire says
Haha I haven't had that before but that can be my aim!
Lisa the Gourmet Wog says
I do love your biscuit recipes Claire and this is no exception!! Walnuts and chocolate, yum yum!!
Claire says
Thanks Lisa!
Christine @ Cooking Crusade says
I don't think these would last long at my house. I would love one of these with a nice cuppa :D
Claire says
Or mine Christine!
Monica @ Gastromony says
Nice :) These look sooo moist and chewy. Definitely one to have with milk :D
Claire says
Oh yes you must have a glass of milk!
My Kitchen Stories says
Claire these look so good. With all of the things I like crunchy soft and chocolatey
Claire says
Thanks Tania!
Swah says
I love chocolate and I love walnuts so it would make sense that I would love your cookies! Yum :)
Claire says
Definitely Swah!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
They almost look like brownies inside. I've gotta have one of these.
Claire says
They are a bit like brownies Maureen. Maybe that's why I knew chocolate and walnuts would work.
Hotly Spiced says
I do love the look of these cookies. They look so chewy. I can imagine they would disappear very quickly (even here with the uni students insisting they don't eat carbs!) xx
Claire says
I'm sure they eat carbs late at night when no one is watching. Surely?!? x
Jess says
That's the best cookie texture, by far - crisp outsides and cake-like insides - yum! I love that you keep a cookie jar stocked. Who am I kidding - of COURSE you keep a cookie jar stocked!
Claire says
Haha yes I do try to Jess!
GourmetGetaways says
Oh these look so yummy! I am always looking for new cookie recipes to feed the family, I will have to try these :)
Claire says
Hope you like them GG!
Sophie - thestickyandsweet says
I think we can call this fate! A replenished cookie jar is sure to make the Mr much happier. Mr Sticky is the same - always requests the same thing 'Banana Choc Chip Muffins' - posting that every week wouldn't make a very exciting blog!
Claire says
It seems a lot of us bloggers married men who are either not into sweet things or want the same thing all the time!