Name: Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips; 1 cup pecans (chopped)

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Savor the timeless joy of Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies, a Classic Nutty Cookie that blends chewy, buttery dough with gooey chocolate chips and crunchy pecans for an irresistible treat. These cookies strike the perfect balance of sweet and nutty, making them a go-to for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings. With Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies, you’ll enjoy a comforting, indulgent snack that’s ready in under 25 minutes!

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

I’m head over heels for Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies because they’re a Classic Nutty Cookie that delivers the perfect mix of textures and flavors. The soft, buttery dough melts in your mouth, while the chocolate chips add gooey sweetness and the pecans bring a satisfying crunch. This easy-to-make recipe is versatile, quick, and perfect for any occasion, from impromptu cravings to holiday cookie platters!

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need for Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies (makes about 24 cookies):

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1½ cups chocolate chips
1 cup pecans, chopped

Equipment

2 baking sheets
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
Large mixing bowl
Medium mixing bowl
Electric mixer or whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Cookie scoop or tablespoon
Wire cooling rack

Ingredient Tips

Butter: Softened unsalted butter ensures a creamy texture; let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips are classic; dark or milk chocolate work well too.
Pecans: Lightly toast pecans for deeper flavor; chop finely for even distribution.
Flour: Spoon and level flour to avoid dense cookies; gluten-free flour works for dietary needs.
Sugar: Brown sugar adds chewiness; use light or dark for slight flavor variations.

Directions for Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

Let’s bake these irresistible Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies!

Preheat and Prep

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, I cream together 1 cup softened butter, ¾ cup packed brown sugar, and ¼ cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes, creating a smooth base for Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies.

Add Egg and Vanilla

I beat in 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined for a rich, even flavor.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, I whisk together 2 cups flour, ½ tsp baking soda, and ¼ tsp salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents.

Mix Batter

I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to keep the cookies tender. I stir in 1½ cups chocolate chips and 1 cup chopped pecans until evenly distributed.

Form Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, I drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Bake

I bake the Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still soft for that perfect chewy texture.

Cool and Serve

I let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they stay soft and gooey.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 20–22 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: ~160 kcal per serving (1 cookie)
Macros per Serving: 20g carbs, 2g protein, 9g fat, 1g fiber

Variations for Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

Try these twists on Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies:

Nut Swap: Replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different Classic Nutty Cookie crunch.
Dried Fruit: Add ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins for a sweet-tangy Classic Nutty Cookie twist.
Chocolate Variety: Use white chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a unique flavor profile.
Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Spiced Up: Add ½ tsp cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, cozy note.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ Grandma’s Cranberry Cookies for a diverse cookie platter.
Serve with a glass of milk or coffee to complement the Classic Nutty Cookie flavors.
Offer at a party with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage

I store Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them fresh. For longer storage, I freeze baked cookies or dough balls in a freezer-safe bag, separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 months. To bake frozen dough, I add 1–2 minutes to the baking time. To reheat baked cookies, I microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore their gooey texture.

Serving Tips

Presentation: Arrange Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies on a rustic platter or in a cookie jar for a charming display.
Garnish: Drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with sea salt for extra flair.
Pairing: Enjoy with hot cocoa, tea, or almond milk to enhance Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies.
Temperature: Serve warm for gooey chocolate or at room temperature for convenience.
Portion Size: One or two cookies per person for a satisfying treat.

FAQs

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies recipe:

How do I make sure my cookies are chewy?
I find that the key to chewy cookies is not overbaking them. Keep an eye on them in the oven and remove them when the edges are golden brown, but the centers are still soft. This will ensure that they stay chewy once they cool.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but if you do, I recommend reducing the amount of added salt in the recipe by about half to avoid making the cookies too salty.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! I often freeze the dough to bake cookies later. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them straight from frozen; just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) or a chia egg. These will provide the binding you need without affecting the texture too much.

How can I make these cookies crispier?
If you prefer crispier cookies, you can flatten the dough balls slightly before baking and bake them a minute or two longer. The longer baking time will give them a firmer, crunchier texture.

Can I make these cookies nut-free?
Yes, simply omit the pecans for a nut-free version; the Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies will still be delicious with just the chocolate chips.

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Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat that combines classic flavors with a bit of a twist. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or serving them at a party, they’re sure to be a hit. The combination of chewy texture, gooey chocolate, and crunchy pecans makes them an irresistible snack I can never get enough of!