Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies (a family recipe)

I'm not big on sweets or cookies, but I absolutely love these cookies! This is a recipe that I've adapted from my aunt Eleanor (whom I'm named after). I love these cookies because they are packed with flavor, are chewy and have texture (due to the walnuts and the chips of chocolate). I've been making these cookies for the past 17 years and they are always a crowd favorite; so much so that they are requested by friends and family whenever I am visiting. Paired with a cold glass of milk, it's bound to hit the spot. Satisfaction guaranteed.

What You'll Need:

2 cups of self raising flour (shifted)

A dash of salt (this brings out the sweet elements)

2/3 cups of butter

1/3- 1/2 cup of sugar (try to use finer granules)

1/2 cup of condensed milk (this allows chew)

1 cup of chocolate chip cookies (dark, milk, white)

3/4 cups of walnuts (OPTIONAL or nuts of choice)

Technique/ Process:

First line your baking trays with parchment paper (that's what we Americans call it)

Then preheat your oven to 180* C or 350* F

  (preheating the oven ensures even distribution of heat and successful end results)

In a large bowl combine the butter and sugar together and whisk briskly by hand for 8 mins until light and fluffy (the color should begin to look very pale in color)

Or use your electric (KitchenAid) mixer to beat the butter and sugar for 5 mins at #6 or #8 speed

Now stir in the condensed milk (slowly) at #2 speed

Increase speed to #4

Add the salt & shifted flour in 3 doses to the 'wet' mixture let it marry until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.

Once combined, stop mixing. Transfer bowl to work surface and fold in the chips and nuts until evenly distributed.

Roll dough into balls about 1 inch thick and slightly flatten with your hand on the lined trays.

Leave 1/2 inch space between them, as the dough will expand or double in size.

                       (overcrowding a tray leads to uneven baking)

Bake for 12-15 mins or until slightly browned.

Remove from oven. Place on wire rack and let cool completely.

Once cooled, store in an airtight container or devour 

Please let me know your thoughts and experience with this recipe. I hope you enjoy

As always thanks for reading. See you on InstaGram @Eles_Kitchen