These chewy chocolate chip pecan cookies boast a beautiful golden-brown exterior with a soft, tender center that pulls apart perfectly with each bite. The generous chunks of semi-sweet chocolate melt in your mouth while the pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty contrast.
Perfectly baked to maintain a chewy texture without being too dense or dry, these cookies are as visually inviting as they are delicious. Whether arranged on a rustic wooden board or a simple white plate, their warm tones and textured appearance make them irresistible to any cookie lover.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened (not melted)
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 large eggs
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
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In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until creamy and well combined.
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Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix thoroughly until fully incorporated.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined—avoid overmixing.
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Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans evenly through the dough.
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Optionally chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to achieve thicker, chewier cookies. Skip this step if you prefer thinner, crisper cookies.
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Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough balls spaced apart onto the baking sheet.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden brown; centers may look slightly underdone but will firm up while cooling.
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Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: About 24 cookies
The Irresistible Appeal of Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
Few desserts bring the comforting warmth of home quite like a freshly baked batch of cookies. Among all the cookie varieties, chocolate chip cookies hold an iconic status worldwide — a timeless classic beloved by both kids and adults. Yet, what elevates this recipe to a new level of deliciousness is the inclusion of crunchy pecans paired with a soft, chewy texture. These Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies are a harmonious blend of rich flavors and satisfying textures that will become your go-to sweet treat.
A Bit of History and Background
The chocolate chip cookie itself was invented in the 1930s by Ruth Wakefield, who famously added broken chocolate pieces to her cookie dough at the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts. Since then, the cookie has seen countless adaptations, but the essence of the classic remains intact: a soft, buttery base studded with melting chocolate morsels.
Adding pecans to the mix brings a Southern American influence into the cookie, highlighting the nut’s popularity in traditional desserts like pecan pie and pralines. Pecans add an earthy, buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, gooey chocolate and tender dough, creating a multi-dimensional sensory experience.
Why This Recipe is the Best You’ll Ever Try
- Perfect Balance of Chewy and Crunchy
This recipe nails the ideal cookie texture: soft and chewy on the inside, with just the right crispness around the edges. The pecans contribute a satisfying crunch that prevents the cookie from feeling one-note or overly soft. - Rich Chocolate Flavor
Using semi-sweet chocolate chips ensures every bite bursts with sweet, slightly bitter chocolate flavor that complements the buttery dough without overwhelming it. - Simple Ingredients, Big Impact
With everyday pantry staples like butter, sugar, vanilla, flour, and eggs, anyone can make these cookies. The recipe requires no complicated techniques or exotic ingredients, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. - Customizable and Versatile
Whether you prefer more nuts, different types of chocolate, or want to experiment with additional mix-ins like dried fruit or spices, this recipe provides a great foundation for creativity. - Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
The nostalgic flavors and approachable texture make these cookies perfect for family gatherings, school events, bake sales, or just cozying up with a warm drink at home.
The Benefits of Homemade Cookies Over Store-Bought
While packaged cookies offer convenience, homemade versions like these provide a host of advantages:
- Control Over Ingredients
You know exactly what goes into your cookies, avoiding preservatives, artificial flavors, or excessive sugars often found in commercial products. - Customization for Dietary Needs
You can easily adapt the recipe to suit dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free flours or alternative sweeteners. - Freshness and Flavor
Nothing beats the aroma and taste of cookies fresh out of the oven, a sensory experience that store-bought cookies can’t replicate.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
While cookies are generally an indulgence, some ingredients here offer nutritional value when enjoyed in moderation:
- Pecans are rich in healthy fats, fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin E), and antioxidants, supporting heart health and reducing inflammation.
- Dark Chocolate (if substituted for semi-sweet) provides antioxidants and may improve mood and cognitive function.
- Using real butter adds essential fat-soluble vitamins and contributes to a satisfying, balanced energy source.
How to Achieve the Perfect Chewy Texture Every Time
Achieving chewy cookies can sometimes be tricky, but these tips help guarantee success:
- Use Softened Butter, Not Melted: Creaming softened butter with sugars incorporates air for a lighter texture and helps control spread during baking.
- Incorporate Brown Sugar: The molasses in brown sugar attracts moisture, keeping cookies soft and chewy longer.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes firms it up, which controls spreading and helps develop a thicker, chewier cookie.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies when edges are golden but centers look slightly underdone. They will finish setting as they cool.
Pro Tips for Baking Success
- Measuring Flour Correctly: Spoon flour lightly into measuring cups and level with a knife to avoid dense cookies caused by too much flour.
- Mixing Just Enough: Overmixing flour into the batter can develop gluten and make cookies tough.
- Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: These prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Rotate Baking Sheets: For even heat distribution and consistent browning, rotate pans halfway through baking.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt: Swap in dark chocolate chips and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sophisticated flavor combo.
- Add Cinnamon or Pumpkin Spice: Perfect for fall, add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the dry ingredients.
- Nut-Free Version: Omit pecans or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for crunch without allergens.
- Loaded Cookie: Add dried cranberries, shredded coconut, or white chocolate chips for more variety.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy warm with a glass of cold milk or coffee for the ultimate cozy treat.
- Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Pack in lunchboxes for a sweet afternoon energy boost.
- Arrange on a festive cookie platter for holidays or parties.
Storing and Freezing Tips
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness and chewiness.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to three months; thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
- Freeze cookie dough balls for up to three months; bake directly from frozen with an extra 2-3 minutes baking time.
Conclusion
With their ideal chewy texture, rich chocolate, and crunchy pecans, these cookies are more than just a sweet treat — they’re a sensory experience and a nostalgic reminder of homemade warmth and love. Their simplicity and reliability make them a perfect choice for bakers of all levels looking to bring joy and deliciousness to any occasion.
No matter if you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
