• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipes
  • Cookbooks
  • Work With Me
  • Contact

CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

Grown-up Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cookies· dessert· snacks
October 9, 2023

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Grown-up Chocolate Chip Cookies – Chocolate chip cookies loaded with finely chopped pistachios, walnuts, and dried cherries. A sprinkle of sea salt on top gives them the perfect flavor balance.

grown-up chocolate chip cookies layered on a serving platter

It’s been a long time since I’ve shared a cookie recipe. I used to share at least once a month, but I’ve slowed that down a bit due to a lack of inventive, inspiring recipes.

Until now! These Grown-up Chocolate Chip Cookies won me over during a recent vacation and I just had to make a version to enjoy once I got home. At first sight, I wasn’t sure about these cookies. They looked a little dense and even rough. But I had heard rave reviews about these cookies so I just had to give them a try. And man, were they a pleasant surprise! Chewy, chocolatey, and full of complex, yet welcomed flavors like pistachio, walnuts, and dried cherries. And the sprinkle of sea salt brings it all together for the full “wow” effect.

Here are my Grown-up Chocolate Chip Cookies!

a hand holding a grown-up chocolate chip cookie upright to show off all the nooks and crannies
side view of cookies sitting on a platter
a cookie broken in half to reveal the inside

Tips & Tricks

  1. Chop nuts into fine pieces. You don’t want the crunch from the nuts to come through. Instead, we want a chewy texture in the cookies. In order to achieve that, the nuts need to be chopped finely. I used a food processor to get them chopped easily.
  2. Yes, some of the chocolate chips get ground up. I was a little confused by the step of grinding up the mini chocolate chips and tossing into the flour. But it really adds chocolate flavor in small bursts that are blended well into the cookie dough.
  3. The dough will be THICK. This is one of the thickest cookie doughs I’ve ever worked with. I had to push my mixer speed to medium to get it to move! If you don’t have a mixer, you can just mix the dough by hand to ensure an even mixture. Make sure to use a big bowl to make the process easier!
  4. No chilling required! One thing that shocked me by this recipe is that it requires no chilling before baking. This is because the dough is so thick that it does not spread quickly when heated. So don’t worry – those cookies will stay thicken even without chilling.
a hand dipping half of a grown-up chocolate chip cookie in milk
Print Recipe

Grown-up Chocolate Chip Cookies

Prep Time30 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Total Time50 minutes mins
Servings: 24 large cookies

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ teaspoon coarse sea salt
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • 2¼ cup old-fashioned oats
  • 2 cups mini chocolate chips divided
  • 1 cup butter softened, unsalted
  • 1¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup walnuts halves
  • 6 ounces shelled pistachio lightly salted or unsalted
  • 8 ounces dried cherries finely chopped
  • sea salt flakes for sprinkling

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare two baking sheets by lining with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Set aside.
  • Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to a large bowl. Add oats and ¾ cup of mini chocolate chips to a food processor. Cover and pulse until the oats and chocolate chips are ground into smaller pieces but not as fine as powder. Add to the flour mixture and whisk together. Set aside.
  • Add the softened butter, sugars, and molasses in the bowl of a stand mixer. With the paddle attachment, cream together until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Add vanilla extract and beat until smooth. Add 1/3 of the flour mixture and beat until combined. Add the rest of the flour mixture and mix together.
  • In the food processor, add the pistachios and walnuts. Cover and pulse until finely chopped. Add to the dough mixture, along with the finely chopped cherries and the remaining mini chocolate chips. Mix on medium to combine all together. This will take some time. If your mixer cannot handle it all, you can use your hands to mix together.
  • Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop out the dough into perfect rounds and place on the cookie sheet about 2-3 inches apart. There should be no more than 12 cookies per baking sheet. Bake 1 baking sheet at a time in a preheat oven for about 15 minutes or until the edges start to brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes before eating.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Disney Eats

Pin for later:

pin of grown-up chocolate chip cookies

More recipes you’ll love:

Sea Salt Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sea Salt Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies on a baking dish with parchment paper, shot from a side angle
Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
raspberry chocolate chip cookies stacked three high with other cookies surrounding the stack
Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
close up of banana chocolate chip cookies covered in chocolate chips and a few candied walnuts

Share this:

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

23 Comments

« Apple Cinnamon Stuffed French Toast
Cherry Almond Pastry Cake »

Comments

  1. Geometry Dash says

    March 20, 2026 at 11:13 pm

    wow, amazing!!!

    Reply
  2. Random-Life says

    February 14, 2026 at 11:44 am

    This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Standard chocolate chip cookies can often be cloyingly sweet, but the use of dark chocolate and sea salt really creates that sophisticated, ‘grown-up’ flavor profile. The brown butter adds an incredible nutty depth that you just can’t get any other way. This has officially become my go-to recipe for dinner parties!

    Reply
  3. DriftBoss Game says

    June 4, 2025 at 5:28 am

    I’ve already bookmarked your blog. Every one of your works is so exquisitely crafted, and they are also a visual delight.

    Reply
  4. Erinvenus432 says

    May 22, 2025 at 3:08 am

    These would make such a great gift or coffee pairing treat. Can’t wait to try them for my next get-together!
    Retro Bowl

    Reply
  5. vex 3 says

    February 25, 2025 at 4:41 am

    I was pleased when I read this internet quote. I found this information to be very useful. It was pretty good. This article was quite entertaining.

    Reply
  6. Alberto90 says

    December 18, 2024 at 1:59 pm

    These Grown-up Chocolate Chip Cookies sound absolutely amazing with their rich mix of flavors and textures! For those who love exploring creative recipes and hobbies, apps like Lulubox Pro APK can be a fun addition, as they help unlock features in your favorite games, much like these cookies unlock a new level of flavor with pistachios, walnuts, and cherries. Perfect for treating yourself both in the kitchen and in your digital adventures!

    Reply
  7. hill climb racing says

    December 19, 2023 at 4:20 am

    This is a creamy lumpless mixture and the cookies will bake up properly if you do this. I’ve also learned to mix the dry ingredients together.

    Reply
  8. Silvia says

    October 15, 2023 at 10:43 pm

    This is my kind of cookie, with all the chocolate chips and the nuts and all that goodness, omg, it’s so hard to stop eating them. The cherries are a nice touch.

    Reply
  9. Tammy says

    October 15, 2023 at 4:13 pm

    These cookies look divine! They’re loaded with everything…I love the pistachios mixed in! Fabulous balance of flavors and textures…cannot wait to try!

    Reply
  10. Veronika says

    October 14, 2023 at 11:17 pm

    Loved the addition of pistachios and dried cherries! So unexpected in chocolate chip cookies but so delicious! Definitely making a double batch next time!

    Reply
  11. Jessica says

    October 14, 2023 at 1:21 pm

    This recipe is pure perfection. I felt like a chef in my own kitchen. The taste was out of this world, and I can’t wait to share these cookies with my other adult friends 😉

    Reply
  12. Sarah James says

    October 14, 2023 at 11:59 am

    Your cookies were so moreish I’ve got to make another batch. We loved the oats and chocolate chips with the cranberries and the sea salt definitely made a difference, thank you.

    Reply
  13. Bernice says

    October 13, 2023 at 2:45 pm

    haha I love the idea of ‘grown up’ chocolate chip cookies! Does this mean I don’t have to share theses awesome with my kids? !

    Reply
  14. Sean says

    October 13, 2023 at 12:43 pm

    The sea salt makes all the difference in the recipe. I love how it cuts down on the sweetness.

    Reply
  15. veenaazmanov says

    October 10, 2023 at 9:00 pm

    Loved your delicious recipe. The sea salt touch, yummy nuts and cherries, healthy oats. Combination of ingredients unique for a Chocolate chip cookie. Perfect gifting option.

    Reply
  16. Elaine says

    October 10, 2023 at 5:04 pm

    I love these cookies. As soon as I saw the recipe, I made them right away! Great ingredients and so delicious!

    Reply
  17. Marta says

    October 10, 2023 at 11:07 am

    Not gonna lie, I thought the “grown up” part of this chocolate chip cookie recipe included liquor, which means I need to have a chat with my therapist. No matter, the recipe came out perfect per your instructions. The added pistachios were my favorite.

    Reply
  18. Yunus says

    October 10, 2023 at 9:35 am

    Thank you very much, I liked your recipe very much.

    Reply
  19. Sara Welch says

    October 9, 2023 at 10:01 pm

    Whipped up a batch of these this afternoon and they do not disappoint! Turned out light, sweet and delicious; the best way to cure my sweet tooth, indeed!

    Reply
  20. Gianne says

    October 9, 2023 at 9:46 pm

    I am absolutely in love with these cookies! The addition of walnuts, pistachios, and dried cherries is pure perfection!

    Reply
  21. Dana says

    October 9, 2023 at 9:36 pm

    I can’t wait to try these! Love how there’s so much more than just chocolate chips happening here.

    Reply
  22. Kristine says

    October 9, 2023 at 9:11 pm

    These cookies are incredible! So much flavor and texture from the fruit and nuts. Mmm!

    Reply
  23. patricia says

    October 9, 2023 at 9:04 pm

    Whoa!! These are just amazing! I will be making them this week and cannot wait – I love your recipes and these look like an amazing one. What’s better than somewhat chewy cookies loaded with all the good things (and flavor)!?

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hi, my name is Sharon. I’m an accountant by day, risk-taking baker and food enthusiast by night. Come join me as I share my favorite recipes and test out new ones along the way!

fall flavors

a slice of peach upside down cake on a white plate with the rest of the cake in the background

Peach Upside-down Cake

styled shot of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Parfaits with a pan of pie and a can of whipped cream behind it

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Parfaits

autumn kale salad in a blue salad bowl

Autumn Kale Salad

a stack of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies and individual cookies on a sheet pan with chocolate chips around them and a stack of pumpkins in the background, shot from a side angle

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

overhead shot of pumpkin churros on a plate of cinnamon sugar

Pumpkin Churros

a plate of pie crust chips with a bowl of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Dip on it and a jar of caramel behind it, shot from a side angle

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Dip with Pie Crust Chips

ORDER MY NEW COOKBOOK NOW!

photo of entertaining made easy cookbook available for preorder now

Breakfast
Appetizers
Entrees
Salads
Sides
Drinks
Desserts
Roundups
Holidays

Browse by Date

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Contact Me
  • Privacy Policy

holiday favorite

close up of chocolate coquito with a dollop of whipped cream on top and a dust of cinnamon and cocoa powder

Chocolate Coquito

slices of iced pumpkin scones drizzled with frosting on a wire rack on top of parchment paper, shot from overhead

Iced Pumpkin Scones

a hand holding a cinnamon roll doughnut showing off the glazed topping

Cinnamon Roll Doughnuts

close up of two brown sugar cinnamon cookie bars stacked on top of each other

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookie Bars

a stack of three pumpkin oatmeal cream pies on cotton napkins with a platter behind it with more pies in the background, shot from the front

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

 

Skillet Naan Bread – yogurt dough proved and coo Skillet Naan Bread – yogurt dough proved and cooked on a cast-iron skillet to make restaurant-quality Indian flatbread at home! 

I always thought making naan required a tandoor oven, you guys! But a cast-iron skillet gets just as hot and gives you those perfect charred spots! 

The yogurt in the dough makes it soft and pillowy, and the cast-iron creates that authentic flavor!

Pro tip: Don't skimp on kneading time – a full 8 minutes ensures the dough isn't tough and gets perfectly fluffy!

Perfect for pairing with curry, dal, soups, or for dipping in hummus! 🍛

https://www.certifiedpastryaficionado.com/skillet-naan-bread/

💬 Comment "NAAN" for the recipe
💾 SAVE for Indian food night
📤 SHARE with someone who loves naan!
Mango Coconut Sticky Rice – sushi rice cooked wi Mango Coconut Sticky Rice – sushi rice cooked with coconut milk and fresh mango for a tropical side dish! 🥭

This is a SAVORY version of the sweet Thai dessert, you guys! I created this to stay in the savory spectrum so you can serve it with any entree during the week! 

The rice cooker does ALL the work! Just add everything, press start, and walk away!

Pro tip: I love the texture of mango as it cooks with the rice, but if you prefer fresh mango chunks, add them after the rice is done!

Perfect for pairing with grilled chicken, fish, tacos, or any Caribbean-inspired meal! 🌴
💬 Comment "MANGORICE" for the recipe
💾 SAVE for tropical dinners
📤 SHARE with someone who loves mango!

https://www.certifiedpastryaficionado.com/mango-coconut-sticky-rice-giveaway/
Peanut Butter Banana Bites – sliced bananas topp Peanut Butter Banana Bites – sliced bananas topped with peanut butter and dipped in chocolate! A yummy, guilt-free treat that's great fresh or frozen!

I was inspired by those frozen chocolate-covered bananas from Disney World, you guys! I added peanut butter because I LOVE peanut butter, banana, and chocolate together!

Once I made these, I discovered I love them better FRESH instead of frozen! The banana flavor is way more present when they're fresh!

Pro tip: Cut your banana slices thick to make them easier to dip in chocolate – thin slices fall apart!

Perfect for satisfying chocolate cravings, healthy snacking, or anytime you want a guilt-free treat! 

💬 Comment "PBBITES" for the recipe
💾 SAVE for healthy treats
📤 SHARE with someone who loves PB + chocolate!

https://www.certifiedpastryaficionado.com/peanut-butter-banana-bites/
Rice Cooker Spanish Rice – jasmine rice cooked w Rice Cooker Spanish Rice – jasmine rice cooked with chicken broth, tomatoes, onions, and spices! The rice cooker does ALL the work!

I always burned rice on the stove, you guys! No matter what I did! But since using a rice cooker almost a decade ago, my rice comes out perfectly fluffy every time!

Just throw all the ingredients in, turn it on, and walk away! The work is done for you!

Pro tip: Make sure to include some of the tomato juice when measuring – we need it to help cook the rice properly!

Perfect for taco night, burrito bowls, fajitas, or anytime you want flavorful rice without the fuss! 

💬 Comment "SPANISHRICE" for the recipe
💾 SAVE for easy dinners
📤 SHARE with someone who burns rice!

https://www.certifiedpastryaficionado.com/rice-cooker-spanish-rice
Easy Ravioli Lasagna – meat sauce, cheese raviol Easy Ravioli Lasagna – meat sauce, cheese ravioli, and mozzarella layered to make the easiest baked pasta dish! 

You guys have LOVED my easy dinner recipes lately, so here's another one! This lasagna cuts prep time in half while keeping all the same flavors and textures you love! 

The genius shortcut? Frozen cheese ravioli = no boiling pasta + no mixing ricotta! The ravioli cooks in the oven and the cheese filling acts as the ricotta layer!

Pro tip: Drain the beef well after cooking before adding sauce – otherwise it'll be too greasy!

Perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, potlucks, or anytime you want lasagna without the fuss! 

💬 Comment "RAVIOLI" for the recipe
💾 SAVE for easy dinners
📤 SHARE with someone who needs this!

https://www.certifiedpastryaficionado.com/easy-ravioli-lasagna/

#Lasagna #RavioliLasagna #EasyDinner #BakedPasta #PastaRecipe #FamilyDinner #ComfortFood #ItalianFood

Copyright © 2026 Certified Pastry Aficionado · Web Design by Viva la Violet

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.