Copycat DoubleTree Hotel Chocolate Chip Cookies

You know those stressful travel days where Murphy’s law is in full effect and everything that could go wrong does? Ugh, all you can do is keep moving forward until you finally reach your destination, hoping that tomorrow will be much better. However, there is one thing that can instantly turn a terrible travel day around: a DoubleTree hotel chocolate chip cookie.

Oh my gosh, if you haven’t tried the sheer delight of a hot-from-the-oven DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie, you need to book a trip somewhere—literally anywhere—and make a reservation at DoubleTree. Do it for the cookie. It’s a dense, chewy cookie packed with chopped walnuts and chocolate chips, but that’s not all. There’s something else in the mix, a flavor that’s hard to pinpoint but elevates these cookies beyond your average chocolate chip variety.

After sampling a LOT of these cookies, we finally figured it out and cracked the code to create a copycat version that’s nearly indistinguishable from the original. So what’s the secret ingredient? It’s old-fashioned oats! Before you get carried away, no, these aren’t oatmeal cookies. The oats, a scant 1/2 cup, are ground into oat flour and used to complement the all-purpose flour in the dough. This adds a subtle yet distinct flavor that makes these cookies so special.

Trust us, you don’t want to skip this step. You can grind your own oats or just grab a bag of oat flour if you have other recipes to use it in—either way is fine. Once your dough is made, you only have to decide whether you want large cookies or extra-large cookies. We can confirm, once again due to extensive testing, that both ways are fantastic, and regardless of size, you’ll be eating more than one of these. It’s inevitable, you’ll see!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe captures all the goodness of the famous DoubleTree cookies, right in your own kitchen. The combination of walnuts, chocolate chips, and a hint of cinnamon makes for a cookie that’s both comforting and indulgent. Plus, the secret oat flour gives it an extra flavor boost that you’ll absolutely love.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Medium mixing bowl
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Refrigerator
• Oven

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned or rolled oats, ground into flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, oat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk everything together until combined.
2. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter with both the brown and granulated sugar until fully incorporated. Then mix in eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
3. Once the mixture is smooth, stir in the dry ingredients, being careful not to over-mix. Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts.
4. Scoop 2-3 tablespoons of cookie dough onto two parchment-lined baking sheets and chill for at least 1-2 hours or up to 24 hours.
5. Remove from the fridge and gently flatten cookies with your palm.
6. Preheat the oven to 350º F. Space cookies out on the baking sheet so they’re at least 1 1/2 inches apart.
7. Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 13-15 minutes (if the cookies are on the larger side; 10-12 minutes if smaller), or until golden. They should still be soft in the centers.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Ensure your butter is fully melted for easier mixing.
• Don’t skip chilling the dough—it helps the cookies maintain their shape and flavor.
• Be gentle when folding in the chocolate chips and walnuts to avoid over-mixing.

Additional Tips or Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough.
• Swap walnuts for pecans or omit them if you prefer nut-free cookies.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 280 | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Sugar: 20g | Protein: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge before baking.
• What if I don’t have oat flour? You can make your own by grinding oats in a food processor until fine.
• Can I use dark chocolate chips? Absolutely! They’ll add a deeper chocolate flavor.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the smell and taste of freshly baked cookies, and these Copycat DoubleTree Hotel Chocolate Chip Cookies are no exception. We hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! Share your experiences and any tweaks you make in the comments below. Happy baking!