For one day only, DoubleTree by Hilton hotels gave away its world famous chocolate chip cookies to anyone who wanted to try the iconic hotel treat in celebration of National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day.
On Tuesday, anyone that visited a participating DoubleTree by Hilton hotel was able to get one free chocolate chip cookie, regardless if they are were a guest staying at the hotel or not.
The chocolate chip cookies are always served warm and are available for anyone checking in or out during their hotel stay. But on Tuesday, Aug. 5, anyone who popped in was able to get a free cookie while supplies lasted.
“On National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, DoubleTree by Hilton celebrates the warm welcome that has become synonymous with the brand: an original, warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie at every check in,” an announcement from Hilton.com reads.
DoubleTree’s famous cookies have taken on a bit of a legendary status among frequent travelers. The cookies were so beloved that home cooks and chefs attempted to craft copycat recipes to recreate the cookie’s iconic taste and texture.
It wasn’t until 2020, in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and amid nationwide stay-at-home advisories, that Hilton finally released the official recipe to the public, revealing the secret ingredient that some people might find surprising.
“Along with classic ingredients like butter, brown sugar, rolled oats and walnuts, the recipe revealed the unexpected addition that had many cookie enthusiasts doing a Double(Tree) take.”
The ingredient? A 1/4 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice mixed into the dough, which Hilton officials say helps create the cookie’s “distinctive flavor and texture that have made the DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie a beloved part of the travel experience.”
Read More: The top luxury hotel in the world might not be where you would think
“Guests are always intrigued when they learn freshly squeezed lemon juice is part of the DoubleTree by Hilton chocolate chip cookie recipe,” said Drew Iddings, DoubleTree by Hilton global brand leader. “It’s a small ingredient, but it’s become one of the most talked-about details when we unveiled the recipe behind the famous cookie that has welcomed guests for decades.”
If you missed the opportunity to try the famous cookie for yourself on Tuesday, you have a few choices:
A. Book a stay at a DoubleTree hotel and grab a cookie when you arrive
or
B. Follow the recipe to try and capture the magic at home
Both are relatively easy, although booking an unnecessary hotel stay just to try some cookies might be a little cost prohibitive—but it’s your life.
If you’re going with option B, you’re in luck. The recipe can be found below.
How to make DoubleTree’s chocolate chip cookies at home
Click for the official recipe from DoubleTree by Hilton
This recipe makes 26 cookies, and can be adjusted for batch size.
Ingredients
- ½ pound butter, softened (2 sticks)
- ¾ cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¼ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pinch cinnamon
- 1 3/4 cups chopped walnuts
- 2 2/3 cups Nestle Tollhouse semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
- Cream butter, sugar and brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
- Add eggs, vanilla and lemon juice, blending with mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, then medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until light and fluffy, scraping down bowl.
- With mixer on low speed, add flour, oats, baking soda, salt and cinnamon, blending for about 45 seconds. Don’t overmix.
- Remove bowl from mixer and stir in chocolate chips and walnuts.
- Portion dough with a scoop (about 3 tablespoons) onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper about 2 inches apart.
- Preheat oven to 300°F. Bake for 20 to 23 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and center is still soft.
- Remove from oven and cool on baking sheet for about 1 hour.
Cook’s Note
You can freeze the unbaked cookies, and there’s no need to thaw. Preheat oven to 300°F and place frozen cookies on parchment paper-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake until edges are golden brown and center is still soft.
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