As the scent of freshly baked cookies wafts through the air, it’s almost impossible not to feel a sense of nostalgia and warmth. These Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies are a family favorite, blending the irresistible crunch of pecans with the melty goodness of chocolate—truly a delightful treat for both kids and adults! Not only are they incredibly easy to whip up using just a handful of pantry staples, but they also strike the perfect balance between chewy and crispy, elevating your cookie game with every bite. Whether you’re craving something sweet for a cozy night in or looking to impress at your next gathering, these cookies will become your go-to recipe. Ready to dive into the world of cookie bliss? Let’s get baking!
Why are these cookies so irresistible?
Chewy Texture: The perfect blend of chewy and crunchy gives these cookies their signature character that everyone loves.
Nutty Goodness: Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch that enhances the overall flavor profile, making each bite uniquely satisfying.
Versatile Options: Feel free to switch semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or even experiment with almond pieces for a fun twist!
Quick & Easy: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch in no time, making them an easy go-to for any occasion.
Family Appeal: These cookies cater to both kids and adults alike, ensuring happiness for every member of the household. Perfect when served warm with a glass of milk or alongside some delightful Egg Sugar Cookies!
Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Ingredients
These delightful cookies come together beautifully with just a few basic ingredients!
For the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and flavor; ensure it’s at room temperature for best results.
• Granulated Sugar – Contributes sweetness and aids in browning for that golden finish.
• Light Brown Sugar – Provides moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, enhancing taste.
• Vanilla Extract – Elevates the flavor profile, making each bite feel extra special.
• Eggs – Bind the ingredients and add moisture for a perfect chewy texture.
• All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• Baking Soda – Serves as a leavening agent for a delightful and lighter cookie texture.
For the Chocolate & Nuts
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Classic chocolate flavor; for a fun twist, substitute with dark chocolate for richer taste.
• Chopped Pecans – Adds a delightful crunch; consider toasting them for an even deeper nutty flavor.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start this delightful journey by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating an ideal surface for your cookies. This preparation step will help ensure your Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies bake evenly, giving them that perfect chewy center and crisp edge we all love.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine room-temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until it’s creamy and pale in color. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, which will contribute to the cookies’ airy texture and golden-brown finish.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add one egg at a time into the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition to achieve a smooth consistency. Don’t forget to drizzle in the vanilla extract during this process, enhancing the flavor of your Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies. This will create a rich and moist batter that binds all the delicious ingredients together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda until well blended. Gradually introduce this dry mixture into the wet batter, stirring until everything is just combined. Keep an eye on the texture—stop mixing as soon as you no longer see flour. This prevents overmixing, ensuring your cookies stay soft and chewy.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate and Nuts
Now, it’s time to add that signature touch! Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans with a spatula. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough without overworking it. This step is what makes your Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies absolutely irresistible, offering every bite a delightful crunch and gooeyness.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
To enhance the thick consistency of your cookies, cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling not only allows the flavors to meld, but it also prevents excessive spreading during baking, resulting in those perfectly puffy, chewy cookies each time!
Step 7: Scoop and Space the Dough
After chilling, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Ensure that you space each mound of dough at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. You should feel excited as the dough forms little dots of cookie goodness waiting to transform in the oven!
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let your cookies bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the edges should turn a golden brown while the centers look slightly underdone. This balance is key to achieving that cherished chewiness that makes these Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies a must-bake treat!
Step 9: Cool and Transfer
Once your cookies are perfectly baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This step lets them set up just right, preventing premature breakage. After cooling, carefully transfer your cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, where they’ll firm up wonderfully while preserving that gooey inside.
Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Variations
Feel free to put your personal spin on these delightful cookies with some fun variations!
- Nut-Free: Substitute pecans with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a delicious and allergy-friendly option.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or dairy-free butter in place of unsalted butter, and opt for dairy-free chocolate chips for a creamy blend.
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a scrumptious cookie that everyone can enjoy.
- Choco-Mint Twist: Add a sprinkle of peppermint extract alongside the vanilla for a holiday-inspired minty touch.
- Caramel Surprise: Toss in a few caramel bits along with the chocolate chips to create a sweet, chewy surprise in every bite.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dough for a warm, subtle heat that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Fruity Addition: Incorporate dried cranberries or cherries for a pop of fruity sweetness that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- Over-the-Top Indulgence: For a truly decadent treat, sandwich two cookies together with rich chocolate ganache or peanut butter as a filling.
With these variations, feel free to explore different flavor combinations just like with my cherished Sea Salt Cookies or even try a twist inspired by Raspberry Chocolate Mousse. Happy baking!
What to Serve with Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
These delicious cookies are a treat on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience to new heights.
- Cold Milk: The classic choice for cookie lovers! A chilled glass of milk perfectly complements the sweet, rich flavors and helps balance the cookie’s texture.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream draped over a warm cookie creates an indulgent dessert that’s both delightful and satisfying.
Imagine savoring a warm cookie, the gooey chocolate oozing on top of velvety ice cream as it melts—a wonderful very pairing.
- Fresh Berries: Serve with a mix of juicy strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The tartness of the berries cuts through the sweetness, adding a lovely freshness.
- Coffee or Espresso: A hot cup of coffee brings out the warm, chocolatey flavors in these cookies, making it a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Pairing your Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies with a rich brew is a delightful way to enjoy your treat, allowing the flavors to dance on your palate.
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: Enhance the chocolate experience with a drizzle of melted chocolate over your cookies. It adds an extra layer of indulgence that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Toast with Butter: For a fun twist, enjoy your cookies alongside warm toast slathered with butter. The contrasting textures and flavors create an unexpected delight.
Make Ahead Options
These Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by combining all the ingredients and then chilling the dough in the refrigerator for that time. This not only enhances the flavors but also prevents excessive spreading during baking. If you need longer storage, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months—just scoop it into balls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time for delicious cookies that are just as chewy and satisfying as if they were freshly made!
Expert Tips for Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
- Butter Temperature: Use room-temperature unsalted butter to cream properly and prevent flat, greasy cookies that won’t hold their shape.
- Don’t Overbake: Aim for slightly underdone centers when baking; they will continue to firm up while cooling for the perfect chewy texture.
- Chill for Success: Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This step enhances chewiness and minimizes excessive spreading.
- Space Cookies Wisely: Place cookie dough balls at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet to allow room for spreading as they bake.
- Mix Gently: When adding chocolate chips and pecans, fold in gently to prevent overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies.
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your chocolate chip pecan cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To maintain their chewy texture, add a slice of bread inside the container.
Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, these cookies can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just be sure they are sealed tightly to avoid absorbing other odors.
Freezer: Freeze your cookies for up to 3 months! To do this, place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating: Warm these cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their gooey, melt-in-your-mouth goodness before serving.
Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my pecans are fresh?
Absolutely! Fresh pecans should have a firm texture and a pleasant, nutty aroma. If they smell rancid or have dark spots all over, they might be past their prime. Always choose pecans from reputable sources for the best flavor in your cookies.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookie dough?
Very simple! You can wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to store it longer, consider freezing it! Just shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
How long do baked Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies last?
Keep your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To absorb moisture and keep them chewy, it’s a good idea to add a slice of bread in the container—this little trick really works wonders!
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! For gluten-free cookies, substitute regular all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use brands that contain xanthan gum for the best texture. Enjoy the same delightful flavor and chewiness without compromise!
What if my cookies turn out too flat?
If your cookies spread too much, it might be due to using melted butter, or not chilling the dough long enough. Make sure your butter is at room temperature, and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. If they still flatten, try adding a bit more flour next time until you find the perfect texture.
Is it safe to freeze cookies with chocolate?
Very much so! Chocolate chips freeze beautifully. To freeze your cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll last up to 3 months and can go straight from the freezer to the oven—easy as pie!
Irresistibly Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until creamy.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well, and then add the vanilla extract.
- Whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl, then combine with the wet ingredients.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans gently.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown and centers look slightly underdone.
- Cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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