Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that’s perfectly balanced with gooey chocolate, nutty crunch, and a satisfyingly soft bite, this Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe is an absolute winner. These cookies deliver that dreamy chewiness with every munch, thanks to a combo of melty semi-sweet chocolate chips and toasted pecans folded into a rich, buttery dough. Whether you’re baking for your family, sharing with friends, or indulging in a cozy solo snack, this recipe brings out the comforting flavors and textures that make cookies so irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple staple ingredients is your first step toward cookie bliss. Each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect chew, flavor depth, and even that lovely golden hue on your finished cookies.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps achieve that chewy texture without greasiness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp edge while keeping the center soft.
- Light brown sugar: Packed with molasses, brown sugar lends moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and rounds out the sweet flavors beautifully.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and moisture, acting as a binding agent for the dough.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, giving cookies their body and chew.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the nutty and chocolate notes.
- Baking soda: Helps cookies rise and spread, contributing to their tender crumb.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient for that melty, gooey burst of chocolate.
- Pecans: Chopped coarsely for a delightful crunch and a rich, buttery nut flavor.
How to Make Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepping your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the pan without a fight. This step might seem small, but it makes all the difference in effortless cleanup and perfect texture.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by mixing softened butter with both granulated and light brown sugars. Creaming these together until they’re fluffy not only helps dissolve the sugars but also incorporates air, which gives your cookies a lovely lift despite their chewy profile.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. This is the moment your dough begins to come together with a rich, aromatic base that will infuse your cookies with warmth and depth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, salt, and baking soda to combine, then slowly add this dry mix to your wet batter. Mixing gradually helps avoid lumps and ensures an even distribution, which is essential for consistent texture throughout every cookie.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate and Nuts
Gently stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans, being careful not to overwork the dough. This folding process ensures every scoop is loaded with melty chocolate pockets and crunchy nut bits that make this Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe so addictive.
Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional)
For those who prefer a thicker, chewier cookie, refrigerate your dough for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step solidifies the fats, controlling spread during baking and enhancing texture. If you’re craving quicker cookies with a crispier edge, you can skip chilling and bake right away.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Use a cookie scoop to drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them well as they will spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for golden edges while keeping the centers soft — perfection takes patience but is well worth it.
Step 8: Cool and Store
Allow the cookies to rest for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooldown helps them set so you get that iconic chewy bite. Then, tuck any leftovers away in an airtight container to keep them fresh and tender for days.
How to Serve Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are perfection on their own, sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking can elevate the chocolate-pecan flavors. For added indulgence, drizzle some melted dark chocolate or a light dusting of powdered sugar to make them feel special and extra inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair your chewy cookies with a cold glass of milk, rich coffee, or a creamy cup of hot cocoa to complement the sweetness and give you that ultimate comfort combo. They also go surprisingly well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these cookies with parchment paper in between for a rustic gift, or create a cookie platter accented with fresh berries and nuts for a beautiful party spread. You can even sandwich a smear of peanut butter or mascarpone cheese between two cookies for a decadent treat your guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your chewy chocolate chip pecan cookies stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep that irresistible chewiness, add a slice of bread to the container; it helps maintain moisture perfectly.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking by placing them on a tray, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. This way, you’ll have ready-to-bake dough whenever a cookie craving strikes. Baked cookies freeze wonderfully too—just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes to revive that freshly baked softness and that melt-in-your-mouth quality that defines the Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work beautifully as substitutes if pecans aren’t your favorite or you have allergies. Just make sure to chop them coarsely to maintain the crunchy texture that complements the chewy cookies.
How do I make these cookies more chewy?
Using a higher ratio of brown sugar to granulated sugar and letting the dough chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes will enhance chewiness. Also, avoid overbaking—cookies should have soft centers when you take them out.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Definitely. Semi-sweet is classic, but you can swap in dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips depending on your taste preference. Mixing different chips can create fun flavor combinations.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling is optional but recommended if you want thicker, chewier cookies. It slows spreading during baking and lets flavors meld. If you’re short on time, baking right away still yields tasty results with a thinner, crisper cookie.
How long will these cookies keep fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay soft and delicious for about a week. Beyond that, it’s best to freeze them to preserve freshness and enjoy quality bites later.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about biting into a warm, chewy cookie loaded with chocolate and pecans, and this Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe nails that craving perfectly. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try—it’s straightforward, satisfying, and sure to become a cherished go-to whenever you need a little sweet happiness in your day.
Print
Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy classic chewy chocolate chip pecan cookies with a perfect balance of buttery sweetness and crunchy pecans. These cookies are easy to make, featuring soft centers, golden edges, and rich semi-sweet chocolate chips for an irresistible treat suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (not melted)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Add-ins
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a nonstick silicone mat to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and creamy in texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, ensuring everything is fully blended and the batter is smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition to form a smooth cookie dough without overmixing.
- Fold in Chocolate and Nuts: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the coarsely chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker and chewier cookies, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. If you prefer thinner and crisper cookies, you may proceed to bake immediately.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop heaping portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each to allow spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown color.
- Cool and Store: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.
Notes
- For thicker cookies, chilling the dough helps control spread during baking.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or your preferred nuts.
- Ensure butter is softened (not melted) for proper creaming with sugars.
- Do not overmix flour once added to avoid tough cookies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
