If you are on the hunt for that perfect sweet treat that combines a delightful crunch with melty pockets of chocolate goodness, look no further. This Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe is an absolute game-changer, delivering chewy, buttery cookies studded with both white and semi-sweet chocolate chips along with toasted pecans for that irresistible nutty flavor. These cookies are the perfect balance of textures and flavors, guaranteed to become your go-to for sharing with family, friends, or just enjoying a cozy moment yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen not only to create that classic cookie texture but also to enhance the layers of flavor through hints of cinnamon and a perfect pinch of salt. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Unsalted butter (1½ cups): Provides rich creaminess and helps achieve a tender texture.
- Light brown sugar (1½ cups, packed): Adds moisture and a deep caramel-like sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Balances the brown sugar and contributes to the perfect cookie crunch.
- Large egg (1) and egg yolk (1): Eggs bind ingredients and add richness for chewy softness.
- Vanilla extract (1 Tbsp): Infuses warmth and depth, tying all flavors together beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups) and cake flour (1 cup): Combination ensures a tender yet sturdy cookie base.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft but substantial bite.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds a subtle warm spice to enhance the chocolate and nuts.
- Salt (1½ tsp): Elevates all flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Reacts during baking for ideal texture and spread.
- Hot water (2 Tbsp): Activates the baking soda for that flawless rise.
- White chocolate chips (1 cup): Sweet, creamy bursts that beautifully contrast the semi-sweet chips.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Classic richness complements the pecan’s nuttiness.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): Provides crunch and an earthy flavor that balances sweetness.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Melt Butter and Cream Sugars
Start by melting the unsalted butter gently in the microwave until just liquid. Pour it into a large mixing bowl attached to your electric stand mixer, then let it cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs later. Once cooled, add both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar, beating them together for about 4 minutes. This creaming process creates a fluffy base that will give these cookies their tender crumb.
Step 2: Incorporate the Eggs
Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure all ingredients are evenly mixed, then add the large egg and egg yolk one at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition to ensure the batter is smooth and well combined. This gradual inclusion helps the dough stay moist and rich, enhancing that chewy cookie texture we all love.
Step 3: Activate Baking Soda and Add Flavors
In a small cup, stir together the baking soda with the hot water until dissolved. This activation step is crucial for the soda’s leavening power. Add this mixture alongside the vanilla extract to your dough, mixing well to spread the flavors evenly throughout the batter.
Step 4: Blend Dry Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients ahead of time ensures the cinnamon and leavening agents are evenly distributed so every bite is perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add the flour mixture into the wet batter while mixing at a low speed. You want to combine just until the dough comes together, avoiding overmixing which can make the cookies tough. This step sets the foundation for that tender-yet-chewy cookie everyone adores.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips and Pecans
Now for the best part! Fold in both the white and semi-sweet chocolate chips, along with the chopped pecans using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. These pockets of melty chocolate and crunchy nuts are the stars of the show, so take care to distribute them evenly throughout the dough for a perfect bite every time.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling period lets the flavors meld and firms the dough, which translates into thicker, more flavorful cookies after baking.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Remove the dough from the fridge and space the cookie balls 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets to allow them room to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden color, while the centers remain soft and slightly gooey. Let them cool briefly on the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking takes these cookies to restaurant-quality indulgence, balancing sweetness with a hint of savory. You can also lightly dust with powdered sugar for a pretty, festive touch that elevates their homey charm.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a comforting cup of coffee or hot cocoa. The creamy beverages complement the rich chocolate and pecans perfectly, making for an ideal dessert or afternoon treat setup that everyone will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these cookies layered with vanilla ice cream to make decadent ice cream sandwiches. Alternatively, arrange them on a rustic wooden board with assorted nuts and small bowls of melted chocolate for dipping — it’s guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your chocolate chip pecan cookies fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy your favorite treat any time without baking fresh batches every day.
Freezing
If you want to stash cookies for longer, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. This method avoids sticking and keeps them fresh for up to three months, ready to thaw whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
Warm your frozen or stored cookies in a preheated oven at 300ºF for about 5 minutes. This quick heat-up melts the chocolate chips again and refreshes the cookie’s soft texture, giving you that just-baked experience straight from your kitchen.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts and almonds both work wonderfully in this Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe, adding their own unique crunch and flavor. Just make sure to chop them similarly to pecans for an even texture throughout.
Why do some recipes call for two types of flour?
Using a blend of all-purpose and cake flour creates a cookie that’s both sturdy enough to hold its shape and tender when bitten into. Cake flour has a lower protein content, helping reduce gluten formation and resulting in a softer, more delicate crumb.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
Yes, chilling the dough is a key step. It allows the fats to solidify, preventing cookies from spreading too thin when baked, and also deepens the flavor as ingredients meld together over time. You’ll end up with thicker, more flavorful cookies as a result.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flours. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly, so it’s best to try a small batch first to ensure it meets your expectations.
How do I prevent my cookies from becoming too hard?
Be careful not to overbake the cookies. Removing them from the oven as soon as their edges turn lightly golden while the centers still look slightly underdone will keep them soft and chewy once cooled. Storing them properly in airtight containers also helps retain the perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about homemade cookies, especially when they are as irresistibly delicious as this Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe. I promise once you try baking these gems, they will quickly become a staple in your kitchen and a favorite treat among your loved ones. So grab your ingredients, have fun with the process, and treat yourself to these delightful morsels of joy!
Print
Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 32 minutes
- Yield: 48 cookies 1x
Description
These Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat combining the rich flavors of white and semi-sweet chocolate chips with crunchy pecans. With a hint of cinnamon and the perfect balance of sweetness, these cookies are soft, chewy, and irresistibly delicious. Chilling the dough enhances the depth of flavor and texture, making them a perfect homemade cookie for any occasion.
Ingredients
Butter and Sugars
- 1½ cups unsalted butter
- 1½ cups packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp hot water
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
Add-ins
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in the microwave, then pour it into a large mixing bowl fitted to an electric stand mixer. Allow the butter to cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs in the next steps.
- Cream Sugars: Add the light brown sugar and granulated sugar to the melted butter and mix on medium speed for 4 minutes until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Add Eggs: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing. Add the whole egg and egg yolk one at a time, mixing well after each addition for full incorporation.
- Dissolve Baking Soda: In a small bowl, mix together the baking soda and hot water until dissolved. Add this mixture along with the vanilla extract to the dough and mix thoroughly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to evenly combine the dry ingredients.
- Add Flour Mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixer bowl, mixing on low speed until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add Chocolate and Pecans: Fold in the white chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and chopped pecans using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.
- Chill Dough: Using a medium cookie scoop, portion the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to overnight to allow flavors to meld and dough to firm up.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare for Baking: Remove dough from the refrigerator and place cookie dough balls spaced about 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should remain slightly soft for a chewy texture.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is crucial for flavor development and helps prevent spreading during baking.
- For evenly sized cookies, use a medium cookie scoop.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To enhance nut flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the dough.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
