Making Mexican-Inspired Hot Chocolate Cookies with Walnuts is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for delicious results:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in Walnuts: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed.
7. Scoop Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. The centers may look slightly underbaked; they will firm up as they cool.
9. Cool on Sheet: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

These simple steps will guide you in creating these incredible cookies that are sure to delight anyone who tries them.