Fully Loaded Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Cookies
These cookies are rich, chewy, and fully loaded with dark chocolate and buttery macadamia nuts, making them the ultimate treat for any dessert lover. With a slight reduction in sugar, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness while still delivering a soft, indulgent bite. Who doesn’t love the sweet and satisfying crunch of macadamia nuts? These cookies hold a special place for anyone who craves the buttery richness of these luxurious nuts paired with the decadent sweetness of chocolate. I love making this cookie recipe whenever I want a treat that feels a little extra special. They’re great for sharing with friends or bringing to family gatherings. Plus, the beauty of these cookies is that they’re both indulgent and quick to make, thanks to simple pantry ingredients.
Did You Know?
Macadamia nuts are not only prized for their creamy, buttery flavor but also their health benefits. These luxurious nuts, native to Australia, are now also widely grown in Hawaii. They’re packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which help lower cholesterol levels. And when paired with antioxidant-rich dark chocolate, these cookies turn into a decadent yet somewhat healthier indulgence. The nuts' high-fat content also means they stay fresh longer, so don’t be afraid to stock up!
Yield: 12 cookies
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup macadamia nuts, roughly chopped into large chunks
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Personal Tip: Lining your baking sheet helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Personal Tip: Use softened, not melted, butter for the best creaming and cookie texture.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Personal Tip: Ensure your egg is at room temperature to help it blend more evenly with the butter mixture.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Personal Tip: Sifting your dry ingredients helps avoid lumps and creates a smooth, even dough.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
Personal Tip: Don't overmix the dough—stop as soon as everything is combined to keep the cookies tender.
Fold in the dark chocolate chips and macadamia nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Personal Tip: Make sure every spoonful has a good amount of chocolate and nuts for that "fully loaded" experience!
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Personal Tip: If you like thicker cookies, press the dough balls slightly to help them bake more evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will set as they cool.
Personal Tip: Remove the cookies just as the edges turn golden for a perfectly chewy texture.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Personal Tip: Letting the cookies cool on the sheet helps them firm up and prevents breakage.
Let's Learn About Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are native to Australia but are now also grown in tropical regions like Hawaii. They thrive in warm, humid climates and are harvested by hand after falling from trees. These nuts are renowned for their creamy texture and buttery flavor. When shopping for macadamia nuts, look for ones labeled "raw" and "unroasted" to ensure the best flavor for baking. These nuts are rich in healthy fats and have a high oil content, which also makes them prone to rancidity, so be sure to store them in airtight containers or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life. They are a luxurious nut but worth the investment for their flavor and texture.