Mocha Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies

These tasty cookies are super satisfying, and very versatile. Make them once, and you will have people asking for the recipe, or wanting you to make them some more. They are great for packing in lunches, for picnics, or for using to make ice cream sandwiches. So good, with a chewy texture and a chocolatey taste. Make them with or without nuts, and dried cherries, even ice them with a run-out royal icing.

Mocha Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies

INGREDIENTS

2 ounces espresso, or very strong coffee

1 cup cocoa

2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature

2-1/2 cups brown sugar

1-1/2 cups granulated sugar

5 large eggs, room temperature

5-3/4 cups flour

1-1/3 teaspoons salt

2-1/2 teaspoons baking soda

3 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 cups chopped walnuts

2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips

Cream the butter, sugar and espresso together. Add the eggs, beating after each addition.

Sift the dry ingredients together and add them by the cupful to the butter mixture with the mixer on low speed. Stir in the vanilla, nuts and chocolate chips. Drop the dough by large ice cream scoop onto baking sheets.

Bake in a preheated oven 325 degrees for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies a firm and lightly colored.

Unbaked dough can be scooped and frozen on cookie sheet. Once frozen, bag the dough balls in a ziplock. Thaw before baking as directed above.