We all miss travel, and DoubleTree by Hilton regulars no doubt miss the freshly baked chocolate chip cookies they receive at check-in at the chain, which includes 45 California properties.
If you’re in the mood for some baking while in quarantine—while also dreaming about future travel plans—DoubleTree has a treat in store for you. It recently shared the once-secret recipe for its beloved chocolate chip cookie, which revealed such surprise ingredients as a pinch of cinnamon and a little lemon juice.
DoubleTree properties typically distribute more than 30 million cookies annually, but this year, of course, is turning out to be a little different.
“A warm chocolate chip cookie can’t solve everything, but it can bring a moment of comfort and happiness,” Shawn McAteer, senior vice president and global head of the chain, recently wrote. “We hope families enjoy the fun of baking together during their time at home, and we look forward to welcoming all our guests with a warm DoubleTree cookie when travel resumes.”
When that time comes, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Jose could be a natural destination for cookie superfans: Its executive chef, Roger Maune, was named the hotel chain’s Chief Cookie Officer in 2018. “I’ve cooked a gazillion of these cookies,” says the “CCO,” who says his role is about sharing warmth and hospitality. He also fosters goodwill by volunteering with a local organization that supports food banks and shelters.
For home bakers he has this advice: “Don’t be afraid to try something unexpected; that’s how so many of our DoubleTree Cookie–inspired recipes—like my own DoubleTree Cookie Pancakes—came to be.”
If you crave more cookie creativity, browse the hotel chain’s Start with Cookies book, which features riffs on the recipe created at other properties—like a cookie crumb–dusted red velvet waffle inspired by the California redwoods.
And if you’re not into baking these days, no problem: You can always order the cookies online. These days they come in a fun tin that commemorates the time they were baked aboard the International Space Station.
