Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe

There’s something irresistible about the combination of chocolate and pecans, especially when they come together in a warm, freshly baked cookie. Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet, rich chocolate and the nutty crunch of pecans, making them a favorite treat for cookie lovers everywhere. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply looking for a comforting snack, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

In this post, we’ll not only share a foolproof recipe but also dive deep into the science behind achieving that perfect texture, why chilling the dough is essential, and tips to avoid common mistakes like cookies spreading too thin. Plus, we’ll include all the small details that competitors might miss, ensuring your baking success. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

These cookies hit all the right notes: they’re crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and filled with rich chocolate chunks and crunchy pecans. But what sets this recipe apart from the rest? The careful balance of ingredients and techniques designed to make sure every batch turns out perfectly, every time. Here’s what you’ll love about them:

• Perfect Texture: The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar creates a cookie that’s crispy on the edges but remains chewy in the center.
• Flavor Depth: Using real butter and vanilla enhances the flavor, while the pecans add a toasted, nutty note that elevates the overall taste.
• Easy Customization: This recipe is versatile—swap out pecans for walnuts, add a sprinkle of sea salt on top, or use dark chocolate chips for a deeper flavor.

Key Ingredients for Success

Before diving into the full recipe, let’s talk about the key ingredients and why they matter. Understanding the role each one plays will help you bake with confidence.

Butter

Butter is the foundation of any great cookie. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content in your dough. Softened butter (but not melted) ensures the cookies will have structure without spreading too thin.

Sugar (Granulated & Brown)

The blend of sugars is what makes these cookies chewy and gives them their delicious caramelized flavor. Brown sugar contains molasses, which not only enhances the flavor but also adds moisture, resulting in a softer cookie.

Eggs

Eggs add structure and richness to the cookie dough. Room temperature eggs blend more easily with the butter and sugar, giving you a smoother dough.

All-Purpose Flour

Flour provides the structure for your cookies. Be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added, as this can develop too much gluten, leading to tough cookies.

Baking Soda

Baking soda helps the cookies rise and brown beautifully, creating that irresistible golden color.

Pecans

Coarsely chopped pecans add a wonderful texture and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate. Toasting the pecans before mixing them into the dough intensifies their flavor.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugar properly is essential for achieving that perfect chewy texture.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all the ingredients are well incorporated.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies, so mix until the flour is just incorporated.

5. Stir in Chocolate Chips and Pecans

Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans. If you want to intensify the pecan flavor, lightly toast them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes before adding them to the dough.

6. Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

For thicker, chewier cookies, cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and enhances the flavors. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step, but your cookies will spread more and have a crispier texture.

7. Bake the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

8. Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week (if they last that long!).

Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature butter and eggs create a smoother dough that incorporates air more easily, leading to fluffier cookies.
2. Measure Your Flour Correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. For accurate measuring, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
3. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps to solidify the fat in the cookies, which means they’ll spread less and retain a thicker, chewier texture.
4. Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are golden brown, but the centers still look slightly undercooked. They will continue to firm up as they cool, giving you a soft and chewy center.
5. Customize Your Mix-Ins: While chocolate chips and pecans are a classic combination, you can easily swap them out for other nuts or add-ins like white chocolate chips, macadamia nuts, or dried cranberries.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Why Did My Cookies Spread Too Much?

If your cookies spread too much during baking, it’s likely due to either overly warm butter or not enough flour. Make sure your butter is soft but not melted, and try chilling the dough for a firmer texture.

My Cookies Turned Out Dry and Crumbly—What Happened?

Dry cookies are usually the result of overbaking or adding too much flour. Be sure to remove the cookies from the oven when they’re just golden around the edges, and measure your flour carefully using the spoon-and-level method.

Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate?

Absolutely! You can swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate. Just be mindful that sweeter chocolate will result in a sweeter cookie, so you may want to reduce the sugar slightly.

Variations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Version

To make these cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

Vegan Option

To make vegan Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies, use vegan butter and replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). Use dairy-free chocolate chips and ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.

Add Some Spice

For a fun twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. The warm spices complement the chocolate and pecans perfectly.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies are the ultimate treat for any occasion. With their perfectly chewy centers, crispy edges, and the perfect balance of chocolate and nuts, they’re sure to become a household favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. So grab your apron, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious cookies!