Unlock the Secret: Bake the Famous Doubletree Chocolate Chip Cookies at Home
Indulge in the legendary taste of Doubletree chocolate chip cookies right from your own kitchen! These renowned treats are celebrated for their irresistible texture: perfectly crisp on the outside, delightfully chewy on the inside, and generously packed with a symphony of flavors. Every bite offers a satisfying blend of rich chocolate chips, hearty rolled oats, and crunchy walnuts. It’s no wonder these cookies have captured hearts around the world, becoming a signature welcome for Hilton guests. Now, you can recreate that comforting, luxurious experience anytime you desire with this official and meticulously detailed recipe.
Why This Official Doubletree Cookie Recipe Works Wonders
If you’re here, chances are you’re already captivated by the magic of Doubletree by Hilton’s iconic chocolate chip cookies. For years, countless copycat recipes attempted to replicate their unique charm, but none quite hit the mark. That all changed when Hilton generously released their official recipe to the public, allowing fans to bake these exceptional treats at home. This isn’t just another cookie recipe; it’s the authentic formula for those gloriously large, deeply chocolatey cookies that leave a lasting impression.
What makes this recipe truly stand out? It’s the meticulous balance of ingredients that creates that signature crisp exterior and wonderfully soft, chewy interior. Each cookie is a masterpiece, generously studded with not just one, but multiple elements that contribute to its complex texture and flavor profile. The inclusion of crunchy walnuts provides a satisfying bite, while rolled oats add a delightful, wholesome chewiness that sets these cookies apart from your average chocolate chip variety. They’re the perfect pick-me-up, a taste of luxury that transports you to a vacation state of mind, even when you’re simply relaxing at home.
Essential Ingredients for Your Doubletree Cookies
Crafting the perfect Doubletree chocolate chip cookie starts with gathering the right ingredients. While the full list with precise measurements and detailed instructions can be found in the printable recipe card at the end of this post, let’s briefly highlight the key components. Using high-quality ingredients will elevate your cookies from good to truly exceptional, ensuring they mirror the renowned taste you expect from the Doubletree original.
Ingredient Spotlight & Substitution Wisdom for the Best Cookies
Understanding each ingredient’s role is key to baking success. Here’s a closer look at what goes into your Doubletree cookies and how you can manage substitutions without compromising flavor too much:
- Unsalted Butter: Ensure your butter is properly softened to room temperature. This is crucial for achieving that light and fluffy texture when creamed with the sugars. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the cookie.
- Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: The combination of both sugars is vital. Granulated sugar contributes to the crisp edges, while packed light brown sugar adds moisture, chewiness, and a delightful caramel-like depth of flavor. Don’t skip the “PLUS 1 Tablespoon” of granulated sugar – every detail matters in this official recipe!
- Eggs: Large eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie’s structure and richness.
- Vanilla Extract: High-quality vanilla extract is a non-negotiable for any chocolate chip cookie. It enhances all the other flavors and adds a warm, aromatic base.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: This might seem unusual, but the acidity in the lemon juice plays a critical role. It reacts with the baking soda, creating tiny bubbles that contribute to the cookie’s signature rise and soft texture. It’s a subtle but powerful leavening aid, so don’t omit it!
- All-Purpose Flour: Proper flour measurement is essential to avoid dense or dry cookies. Use the “spoon and level” method: spoon flour into your measuring cup and then level off the top with a straight edge. Do not scoop directly from the bag, as this compacts the flour and results in too much.
- Rolled Oats: The rolled oats are a hallmark of the Doubletree cookie, adding a unique texture and a wholesome, slightly nutty flavor. You can substitute with quick-cooking oats if preferred, but rolled oats provide the authentic chewiness.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent, activated by the lemon juice and brown sugar, helps the cookies spread and rise, contributing to their classic soft and chewy texture.
- Salt: A teaspoon of salt balances the sweetness of the sugars and chocolate, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- A Pinch of Cinnamon: This secret ingredient adds a subtle warmth and complexity that truly sets these cookies apart, giving them that distinct Doubletree taste.
- Chocolate Chips: The recipe calls for a generous 2 ⅔ cups! You can use semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped baking chocolate (a mix of both works beautifully), or even dark chocolate for a richer flavor. For truly authentic results, use a mix of chip sizes and forms for varying melty pockets.
- Walnuts: Walnuts are an integral part of the original Doubletree cookie, providing crunch and earthy flavor. While you *can* substitute with pecans or almonds if absolutely necessary, be aware that the flavor and texture will deviate from the classic Doubletree experience. For the most authentic taste, stick with walnuts.
Mastering the Doubletree Chocolate Chip Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. For a quick reference, you can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions at the bottom of this post.
- Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This lower temperature allows the cookies to bake more evenly, achieving that perfect crisp exterior and soft center without overbrowning too quickly.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer), cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Beat on medium speed for approximately 2 minutes, or until the mixture is thoroughly combined, light, and fluffy. This aeration process is critical for a tender cookie.
- Next, incorporate the wet ingredients. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and that crucial quarter teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. Mix on low speed for about 30 seconds, ensuring everything is well integrated. Then, increase the speed to medium and continue mixing for an additional 2 minutes. The mixture should become noticeably lighter in color and incredibly fluffy, indicating sufficient aeration.
- Reduce your mixer speed to low. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined, typically 35-45 seconds. It’s crucial not to overmix at this stage, as overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough, dry cookies instead of the desired soft and chewy texture. Stop as soon as no streaks of dry flour remain.
- Gently fold in the generous amount of chocolate chips and chopped walnuts using a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula. The goal is to distribute these goodies evenly throughout the dough without overworking it. This ensures every cookie has plenty of texture and chocolatey goodness.
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and promotes even baking. Using a large cookie scoop (approximately 3 tablespoons per scoop), drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving ample space between each cookie to allow for spreading. These are generous cookies, so give them room!
- Bake for 20-23 minutes. The exact baking time may vary based on your oven and cookie size. Look for cookies that are golden brown around the edges but still appear slightly soft in the center. This indicates they are perfectly baked for that signature chewy texture. Avoid overbaking, which can lead to dry cookies.
- Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 2 minutes. This brief cooling period helps them set and firm up before transferring. Then, carefully move them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. The wire rack ensures air circulates around them, preventing a soggy bottom. Enjoy your fresh, homemade Doubletree chocolate chip cookies!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Baking Tips
To maintain optimal freshness, store your baked Doubletree chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully soft and delicious for up to 5 days. For best results, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies; the bread will absorb moisture, keeping your cookies soft longer.
Absolutely! You have two excellent freezing options. To freeze raw cookie dough: scoop individual dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and flash freeze for about 40 minutes to 1 hour, or until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a large, freezer-safe ziptop bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 4 months. To bake from frozen, simply remove the desired number of dough balls, preheat your oven, and bake according to the recipe directions, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed. The dough balls should thaw sufficiently while your oven preheats. To freeze baked cookies: once fully cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze. Then, transfer to an airtight freezer container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They will keep for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Several factors can cause cookies to spread excessively. Ensure your butter is softened, but not melted; melted butter will lead to flat cookies. Also, precise flour measurement is critical. Too little flour will result in thin cookies. Overmixing the dough can also develop gluten, making cookies spread more. Finally, an oven that is too hot can sometimes cause rapid spreading before the cookies set. Using an oven thermometer to verify your oven’s temperature can be very helpful.
For consistent success, always use ingredients at room temperature, especially butter and eggs, as they cream together better and create a more uniform dough. Measure your flour by spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly, to avoid adding too much. Avoid overmixing the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, as this can lead to tough cookies. Trust the visual cues for doneness: golden edges and a soft center mean perfect chewiness. Oven temperatures can vary, so an inexpensive oven thermometer is a great investment for accurate baking. If using a smaller cookie scoop (under 3 Tbsp), adjust baking time accordingly, as smaller cookies will bake faster.
Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions for Your Doubletree Delights
There’s nothing quite like a freshly baked Doubletree chocolate chip cookie. For the ultimate enjoyment, pair these warm, decadent treats with a tall, frosty glass of milk – it’s a classic combination for a reason! If you’re a coffee enthusiast, try dipping a corner of your cookie into your morning or afternoon brew; the warmth and slight bitterness of the coffee beautifully complement the cookie’s sweetness and rich chocolate. These substantial cookies also make fantastic additions to a dessert platter for gatherings, or you can even crumble them over vanilla ice cream for an elevated sundae experience. Remember, if you opt for a smaller cookie scoop (our recipe uses a generous 3-tablespoon scoop), keep a close eye on your cookies in the oven, as they will likely bake more quickly than their larger counterparts. Adjust your baking time accordingly to achieve that perfect golden-brown edge and soft, gooey center.
Explore More Irresistible Cookie Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed baking these iconic Doubletree cookies, you’re in for a treat! Our kitchen is always buzzing with delicious ideas. Here are some more fantastic cookie recipes that are sure to become family favorites, each offering a unique twist on this beloved dessert:
- Monster Cookies: A delightful mix of oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&Ms for a truly monstrously good treat.
- Neiman Marcus Cookies: Unravel the mystery behind this legendary cookie recipe, rumored to cost a fortune, and bake them for yourself.
- Reeses Pieces Cookies: Peanut butter lovers rejoice with these vibrant and chewy cookies packed with everyone’s favorite candy.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: The ultimate combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter in a perfectly baked cookie.
- Butterfinger Cookies: Crispy, crunchy, and chocolatey, these cookies are a fantastic way to enjoy the classic candy bar.
- Toll House Cookie Recipe: A timeless classic that sets the standard for homemade chocolate chip cookies, always a crowd-pleaser.
I absolutely adore spending time in the kitchen, experimenting with flavors and sharing my culinary adventures with all of you! Keeping up with new recipes can be a challenge, which is why I offer a convenient newsletter delivered straight to your inbox every time a new recipe is posted. Simply subscribe today and start receiving your free daily dose of delicious inspiration!
Doubletree Chocolate Chip Cookies
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 16 Tablespoons unsalted butter softened – 2 sticks
- ¾ cup granulated sugar PLUS 1 Tablespoon
- ¾ cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- a pinch of cinnamon
- 2 ⅔ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 ¾ cup walnuts chopped
Essential Equipment You’ll Need
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Stand mixer
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Wire cooling racks
Before You Begin: Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Softening Butter Correctly: For optimal results, remove unsalted butter from the refrigerator and cut it into tablespoons. Allow it to sit on the counter for at least 20 minutes (or longer, depending on room temperature) until it’s pliable but still cool to the touch. This ensures it creams properly with the sugars.
- Accurate Flour Measurement: To prevent dry and crumbly cookies, always measure your flour using the “spoon and level” method. Spoon flour into your measuring cup until it overflows, then gently level the top with the flat edge of a butter knife. Scooping flour directly from the bag compacts it, leading to significantly more flour than needed.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing cookie dough, especially after adding flour, can lead to excessive gluten development. This results in tough, hard, and sometimes flat cookies. Mix just enough until the ingredients are well combined and no streaks of dry flour remain.
- The Lemon Juice Secret: The small amount of fresh lemon juice is not just for flavor. Its acidity reacts with the baking soda, creating carbon dioxide bubbles during baking. These bubbles are essential for the cookie’s rise and contribute to its airy yet chewy texture. Do not skip this unique ingredient!
- Monitor Your Oven: Oven temperatures can vary significantly, especially with older appliances, affecting your cookies’ cook time and final texture. We recommend using an inexpensive oven thermometer to ensure your oven is truly heating to the proper 300°F (150°C).
- Baking Doneness Cues: Bake until the cookie edges are lightly golden brown, but the centers still look slightly soft and puffed. This typically takes 20-23 minutes for the recommended 3 Tbsp size. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
- Adjust for Scoop Size: If you choose to use a smaller cookie scoop than the recommended 3 tablespoons, your cookies will bake faster. Keep a very close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent overbaking.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 300F (150°C).
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To the bowl of a stand mixer (or a mixing bowl using a hand mixer) cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until well combined. About 2 minutes.
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Add in the eggs, vanilla, and lemon juice, mixing for about 30 seconds on low speed. Up the speed to medium for an additional 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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On low speed, add in the flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until combined, about 35-45 seconds. Be careful not to overmix.
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Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts with a wooden spoon.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Using a large cookie scoop (3 Tbsp), scoop dough balls onto baking sheet.
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Bake for 20 minutes, or until cookies are golden brown with a soft center.
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Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information (Estimated)
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post was originally published here on February 15, 2022. This recipe is proudly provided by Hilton.