The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookie Recipe (Crispy & Chewy!)
Do you love a cookie that combines crispy edges, soft, chewy centers, and a nutty richness that’s impossible to resist? Then this chocolate chip pecan cookie recipe is about to become your new favorite. These easy pecan chocolate chip cookies, featuring toasted pecans and decadent brown butter, are a treat for the senses—perfect for holiday spreads or satisfying late-night sweet cravings. Whether you’re a dessert enthusiast or casual home baker, this batch of nutty delights is guaranteed to impress anyone craving the best pecan cookies recipe.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookie Recipe
This pecan cookies recipe takes a classic favorite—chocolate chip cookies—and elevates it with rich, nutty flavors. Here’s why you’ll adore these brown butter chocolate chip cookies:
- Taste: The combination of golden brown butter, toasted pecans, and semi-sweet chocolate chips creates a sweet-meets-salty flavor you can’t ignore.
- Texture: Expect a delightful contrast between crispy edges, gooey centers, and the occasional crunch of pecans.
- Aromatic Perfection: The nutty notes from the brown butter and toasted pecans fill your kitchen with a heavenly aroma you’ll want to bottle up.
These nutty delights are everything a cookie should be and more!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these irresistible chocolate and pecan cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, browned
- 1 cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup toasted pecan halves, roughly chopped
Ingredient Notes
- Brown Butter: Adding depth and richness, brown butter gives these treats their signature nutty undertone.
- Toasted Pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor, creating a pleasant crunch in every bite.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate is the ideal match for the sugar and pecans, providing just the right amount of chocolatey goodness.
How to Make the Perfect Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
Follow these easy steps to make the best pecan cookies recipe with chocolate and nuts:
Step 1: Brown the Butter
- Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir frequently until the butter turns golden brown, emitting a nutty aroma (3–5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- Combine browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Avoid over-mixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips and toasted pecans.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps ensure a chewy center and prevents spreading during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop 2-tablespoon portions of chilled dough onto the sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look just set.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tip for Perfectly Toasted Pecans:
- Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes, stirring once. Cool before adding to your dough.
How to Make the Perfect Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
- How to Make Brown Butter Pecan Cookies: Simply follow this recipe as written! The brown butter is a star ingredient that intensifies the flavor profile.
- Swap-in Ideas:
- Replace pecans with walnuts for a milder crunch.
- Use white chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a fun twist.
- Texture Tips:
- For chewier cookies, underbake slightly.
- Prefer a crispier texture? Extend baking time by 1–2 minutes.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature:
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread to the container to keep them moist!
Freezing:
- Raw Dough: Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet and freeze. Once firm, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
- Baked Cookies: Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Before we jump into your most-asked questions, don’t miss these delicious ideas:
If you love chewy cookies, check out our Triple Chocolate Cookie Recipe next! Craving more? Try our Classic Snickerdoodle Cookies for another sweet treat.
FAQ
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts make a great substitute, offering a different but equally delicious nutty flavor for easy pecan chocolate chip cookies.
How do I make chewy nutty delights?
For chewier cookies, slightly underbake your brown butter chocolate chip cookies. Remove from the oven when the edges are golden, but the centers are slightly underdone—they’ll firm up as they cool.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! Scoop dough onto a baking tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Do I need to toast the pecans first?
Yes, toasting pecans enhances their flavor and adds an irresistible crunch. It’s an easy step that makes a big difference in the best pecan cookies recipe!
Give This Recipe a Try!
Now that you’ve got all the tips and tricks, it’s time to bake up a batch of these nutty delights. Crispy, chewy, and packed with decadent flavor, they’ll quickly become a family favorite. Once you’ve tried the recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment below or share your cookie creations with us—because nothing brings people together like homemade cookies! Tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out in the comments or tag us on Instagram @yourhandle—we’d love to see your cookies!
