Name: Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 19 min
Ingredients: 3 cups 360 g All-Purpose Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; ½ teaspoon Salt; 1 cup 227 g Unsalted Butter; 1 cup 200 g Light Brown Sugar; ½ cup 100 g Granulated Sugar; 2 large Eggs; 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract; 1½ cups Chocolate Chips; 1 cup Chopped Toasted Pecans

Jump to Recipe Print it

There’s something truly magical about baking Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies that takes me back to my childhood. I remember the aroma swirling through the house, luring my siblings and me into the kitchen like a siren’s call. As soon as those cookies hit the oven, it felt like a warm hug from home. The combination of rich, buttery flavor and the sweet crunch of pecans is simply irresistible. I often find myself baking these cookies on rainy afternoons when I need a little comfort, or when friends drop by unexpectedly.

One of my favorite memories is when I baked a batch for a neighborhood gathering. Everyone raved about how soft and chewy they were! I enjoyed watching the smiles on people’s faces as they took that first delightful bite. It was a hit, and I loved sharing a piece of my happiness with others. Now, every time I make Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies, I’m reminded of those moments and the joy they bring. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe together and create some memories of our own!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
19 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
9 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
180 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
9 g

Tools Used:
Electric Hand mixer or Stand mixer, Cookie Sheets, Large cookie scoop, Parchment paper or Silicone Baking mats

What Makes This Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Special

They’re the Perfect Balance of Sweet and Nutty

What makes these Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies stand out is the delightful balance between sweet chocolate and the rich, nutty flavor of pecans. The pecans provide a satisfying crunch that complements the soft, gooey chocolate chips perfectly.

Easy to Make

Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow. The steps are straightforward, making it fun to bake these cookies. It’s a great way to build confidence in your baking skills!

Perfect for Any Occasion

These cookies are not limited to just one type of celebration! Whether it’s a birthday party, a cozy family gathering, or simply a treat for yourself, Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies fit right in. They’re ideal for sharing and bring everyone together.

Customize to Your Liking

Another reason I adore this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home. Want to swap out pecans for walnuts? Go ahead! Feel like adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top? That’s a fabulous idea!

They Make the Best Gifts

Who doesn’t love receiving baked goods as a gift? Packaging up a box of Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies makes for a thoughtful present for friends or neighbors. It shows you care and that you’ve put in the effort to make something special.

Unforgettable Aroma

Lastly, there’s nothing quite like the smell of cookies baking in the oven. The sweet, buttery aroma fills your home and creates a sense of warmth and comfort that you simply can’t resist. It’s an experience that lingers in the air long after the cookies are gone.

Key Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

When it comes to making Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies, the ingredients play a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Each ingredient contributes to the cookie’s overall deliciousness. The combination of unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar creates a tender, chewy cookie with a hint of caramel flavor. The chocolate chips add sweetness, while the chopped toasted pecans give a delightful crunch that elevates the cookie from ordinary to extraordinary.

All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups (360 g) of all-purpose flour provides the structure for your cookies. It’s essential for achieving that perfect chewy texture.
Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
Salt: ½ teaspoon enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors in the cookies.
Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (227 g) softened butter gives richness and flavor to the cookies.
Light Brown Sugar: 1 cup (200 g) adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
Granulated Sugar: ½ cup (100 g) sweetens the cookies and contributes to their chewy texture.
Eggs: 2 large eggs at room temperature bind the ingredients together and adds moisture.
Pure Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract imparts a lovely aroma and flavor.
Chocolate Chips: 1½ cups of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips add delicious pockets of sweetness.
Chopped Toasted Pecans: 1 cup adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

Making This Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

Ready to bake some Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies? It’s a fun and rewarding process that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. Let’s get started with these easy steps.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), or 160°C if using a fan oven. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This step helps prevent the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Combine the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside; it will be added to the wet ingredients later.
Cream the butter and sugars in a bowl of a stand mixer. Add the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to incorporate everything properly.
Add the eggs and vanilla. Crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat again until well combined, about 1 minute. You want to make sure the eggs are fully incorporated.
Mix in the dry ingredients. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly to avoid a flour explosion. Continue until there are no visible patches of dry flour in the dough.
Fold in the chocolate chips and pecans. Gently mix in the chocolate chips and chopped toasted pecans. This step adds bursts of chocolate and nutty flavor to each cookie.
Scoop the dough onto the prepared sheets. Using a large cookie scoop, scoop out about 50 g of cookie dough for each cookie and place them on the baking sheets about 3 inches apart. Top each cookie dough ball with additional chocolate chips and pecans if you desire.
Bake in the oven for 9 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be set, while the center remains soft. This balance is key to a perfect cookie.
Cool and serve. After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the cookie sheets for about 10 minutes. This step helps them firm up a bit before transferring them to a wire rack or serving plate.

Things Worth Knowing

Don’t Overbake: To ensure your cookies remain chewy, pull them out of the oven when the edges are set but the center is still soft.
Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Rest for Best Results: Letting the dough rest for about an hour can prevent excessive spreading during baking.
Storage Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

These tips can elevate your baking game and ensure your Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies turn out perfectly every time. Here’s what I recommend:

Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 days to keep them fresh.
Freezing: You can freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough, freeze until solid, then transfer to a ziplock bag.
Pairing: Serve your cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee for a delightful treat.
Customization: Feel free to swap in different types of nuts or chocolate based on your taste preferences!
Texture Tweaks: For a crunchy edge, bake for the full 12 minutes, but for a gooier center, take them out sooner.
Batch Size: Double the recipe for gatherings or bake a smaller batch for a cozy night in.

Serving Ideas for Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

When it comes to serving Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies, the options are endless! Here are some delightful ideas:

As a Dessert: Serve them warm straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert.
For a Snack: They make a perfect afternoon snack, paired with a cup of tea or coffee.
Party Treats: Bring a batch to parties or gatherings; they’re always a hit among friends and family.
Holiday Cookie Plate: Add them to your holiday cookie platter alongside other festive treats.
Gift Giving: Package them in a cute box with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Seasonal Occasions: The nutty flavor makes them a great choice for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations.

FAQ

Absolutely! You can freeze Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies for up to three months. To do this, scoop the cookie dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a resealable bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them straight from frozen; just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

The key to achieving that chewy texture in Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies lies in the balance of ingredients. The combination of butter and brown sugar helps create moisture, while using the right amount of flour prevents them from becoming too dry. Additionally, pulling them out of the oven while they still look slightly underbaked will ensure they stay chewy as they cool.

Absolutely! While pecans are delicious, you can easily substitute them with other nuts like walnuts or almonds, depending on your preference. Each nut will add a unique flavor and texture to the cookies, making them customizable to your taste. Just make sure to chop them up to a similar size for even distribution.

To know when your Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies are done baking, look for the edges to be set and lightly golden while the center remains soft. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so it’s essential not to overbake them. If they look a little underdone, that’s perfectly okay; they’ll firm up as they cool!

Conclusion

The Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies recipe brings together the classic flavors of chocolate and nuts in a delightful way that’s absolutely irresistible. I encourage you to whip up a batch and enjoy the warm, gooey goodness that fills your home with delightful aromas. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit. So, roll up your sleeves and get baking today!