Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s both indulgent and full of personality, you’re going to absolutely adore this Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies are where nutty, buttery pecans meet melty, rich chocolate chips, all wrapped up in a golden, crisp-yet-soft cookie. I swear, every time I bake these, my kitchen smells like a little slice of heaven—and my family goes crazy for them. Stick around and I’ll share all my tips so you can make these cookies just right in your own kitchen!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to give these cookies their unique, nutty, buttery flavor alongside luxurious pockets of chocolate. It’s worth tracking down good-quality dark chocolate and fresh pecans for the best results.

• Unsalted Butter: I always use unsalted so I can control the saltiness perfectly and brown it gently to deepen flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Make sure it’s fresh for the best rise and tender crumb.
• Baking Soda: This helps the cookies spread and get that classic chewy texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Just a subtle hint adds warmth without overpowering.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Gives deep molasses notes and keeps cookies moist.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds crunch and balances sweet flavors.
• Molasses: Boosts that rich brown sugar flavor and depth.
• Eggs: For structure and a tender bite.
• Vanilla Extract: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
• Dark Chocolate: I use chunks or chips depending on mood—both melt beautifully.
• Pecan Halves: Toast these just before mixing for maximum nutty aroma.
• Flaky Sea Salt: Sprinkled on top post-bake, it makes the flavor pop wonderfully.

Variations

I love how versatile this Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is—you can easily swap out or add extras to suit your cravings or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

• Use White Chocolate Instead: I tried swapping dark chocolate for white chocolate once, and it gave the cookies a sweeter, creamier vibe that some friends loved.
• Gluten-Free Flours: I’ve had success using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, just be mindful it can affect texture slightly.
• Toasted Almonds in Place of Pecans: Sometimes I switch nuts for a different crunch and it’s just as delicious.
• Add a Pinch of Cayenne: For those who love a little heat, it’s a quirky twist that balances the sweet pecans and chocolate.

How to Make Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter for Extra Flavor

Start by melting the unsalted butter over medium heat. Watch closely as it begins to foam and then turn a light golden brown, releasing that nutty aroma you want. This is what gives the cookies that irresistible depth of flavor. Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool slightly before using it to keep that rich taste without cooking the eggs.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

While the butter cools, whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. This ensures even distribution of those leavening agents and spices so your cookies bake uniformly and taste balanced.

Step 3: Cream Sugars and Eggs with Browned Butter

In a mixing bowl, combine the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar with the cooled browned butter and molasses. Beat in your eggs and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This creates the sweet, moist base that keeps the cookies tender inside.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet batter, mixing just until incorporated. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so be gentle here—it’s okay if you still see a few streaks of flour.

Step 5: Fold in Pecans and Chocolate Chips

Fold in your toasted pecans and dark chocolate chunks or chips evenly throughout the dough. This step is where the magic comes together—imagine biting into those nuggets of warm chocolate and buttery nuts every single time.

Step 6: Scoop, Top, and Bake

Scoop large balls of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving ample space between each cookie for spreading. For that extra wow factor, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chunks, pecan pieces, and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll want to remove them when edges are golden but centers still look slightly soft—that’s the sweet spot.

How to Serve Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little flaky sea salt on top right after baking—that salty crunch perfectly balances the sweet, rich cookie. Sometimes, for a festive touch, I’ll add a few whole toasted pecans on top for presentation and extra texture.

Side Dishes

These cookies go wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee. For special occasions, I like pairing them with vanilla ice cream to make decadent cookie sandwiches—my kids call it the ultimate treat!

Creative Ways to Present

When I’m bringing these cookies to gatherings, I arrange them on a pretty plate with a few pecan halves and chocolate chunks scattered around for a rustic look. Wrapping a small stack with a ribbon makes a sweet homemade gift, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay soft and fresh for up to 4 days. If you like them crispier, just pop one in the toaster oven for a few minutes before serving.

Freezing

This dough freezes really well; I portion it into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When I want fresh cookies, I bake them straight from frozen—adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time works perfectly.

Reheating

Leftover cookies taste almost freshly baked after a quick 10 seconds in the microwave or 5 minutes in a warm oven. Just be careful not to overheat or they’ll dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites, just like it did for me. There’s something so joyful about biting into a cookie that’s perfectly balanced with buttery richness, a little warmth from cinnamon, crunchy pecans, and that melty chocolate surprise. I genuinely love sharing these with friends and family because it’s that kind of recipe that brings people together. So, grab your ingredients, make a batch, and get ready to enjoy some serious cookie bliss—you’ll be glad you did!

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