Irresistible Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Crafting delectable butter pecan chocolate chip cookies brings pure joy to any kitchen adventure.

Sweet aromas will dance through your home while mixing these irresistible treats.

Nutty pecans provide a delightful crunch against smooth chocolate morsels.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a magical texture that melts in your mouth.

Baking these cookies connects you with cherished memories of childhood indulgence.

Comfort and warmth radiate from each perfectly golden-brown circle.

Gather your ingredients and let’s make something extraordinary that will spark smiles around the table.

Ingredients For Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Butter: A key ingredient that adds rich, nutty flavor when browned.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cookie ingredients together.

• Brown Sugar, Sugar: Create sweetness and contribute to the cookie's soft texture.
• Molasses: Enhances the depth of flavor and adds moisture to the cookies.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base structure of the cookies.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread during baking.
• Salt, Cinnamon: Add depth and warm spice to complement the other flavors.

• Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Chips: Provide rich, melty chocolate pockets throughout the cookie.
• Pecans: Add a nutty crunch and complement the browned butter flavor.

• Vanilla: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.
• Sea Salt: Sprinkled on top to intensify the sweet and rich flavors.

Step-By-Step Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Create Golden Brown Butter

Grab a saucepan and melt butter over medium heat.

Stir continuously until the butter transforms into a rich amber color with a delightful nutty aroma.

Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Scrape every delicious browned bit from the pan bottom.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add brown sugar, white sugar, and molasses to the cooled brown butter.

Whisk until the mixture looks like a smooth slushie.

Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, blending until completely combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually pour dry ingredients into wet mixture.

Stir gently with a rubber spatula until a cohesive dough forms.

The consistency should be thick and slightly sticky.

Step 5: Fold in Delicious Additions

• Dark chocolate chunks
• Chopped pecans

If the dough seems too soft, refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Dough

Use a large scoop or 1/4 cup measure to create uniform cookie portions.

Arrange scoops on a parchment-lined plate.

Top each scoop with extra chocolate and pecan pieces.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Refrigerate cookie dough for minimum 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor development.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Place 5-6 cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake for 13-15 minutes for large cookies, 10-12 minutes for smaller ones.

Look for golden edges and slightly underdone centers.

Step 9: Final Touches

Immediately sprinkle sea salt on hot cookies.

Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 10: Enjoy Your Creation

Repeat baking process with remaining dough.

Serve warm and savor the rich, buttery, chocolatey goodness!

Tips For Baking Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Allow browned butter to cool slightly before mixing to prevent scrambling eggs and ensure smooth, rich flavor development.
• Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to help cookies maintain structure and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• Sprinkle sea salt on warm cookies to elevate the chocolate and pecan flavors, creating a delightful sweet-salty contrast.
• Use a 2oz scoop or 1/4 cup measure to create uniform cookies that bake evenly and look professionally made.
• Check cookie doneness by looking for golden edges and a slightly underbaked center for a soft, chewy texture.

Flavor Variations For Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend, ensuring same texture and binding properties for perfect cookie consistency.
• Vegan Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use dairy-free chocolate chips for plant-based alternative.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Remove pecans and replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, maintaining crunch and nutritional value while accommodating nut allergies.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar, reduce overall sugar content, and incorporate sugar-free dark chocolate chips for diabetic-friendly treat.

Serving Suggestions For Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Sweet Companion Treats: Pair these rich cookies with a cold glass of milk or creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
• Gifting Delight: Package these cookies in cute mason jars or decorative tins with a ribbon for a homemade, heartwarming present that friends and family will adore.
• Coffee Corner Companion: Serve alongside a hot espresso or cappuccino to enhance the nutty, chocolatey flavors and create a perfect afternoon indulgence.
• Dessert Platter Magic: Create a stunning cookie platter with these butter pecan chocolate chip cookies as the centerpiece, surrounded by fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Storage Tips For Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent chocolate from melting.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
• Warm cookies on microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds. Check temperature and add 5 seconds if needed. Avoid overheating to prevent chocolate from burning.
• Preheat oven to 275F. Place cookies on baking sheet and warm for 3-5 minutes. Restore crispy edges and soft center without drying out the delicate texture.

FAQs

• Why brown the butter?

Browning butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that elevates the cookies from ordinary to extraordinary. It caramelizes the milk solids, creating a rich, complex taste that complements the chocolate and pecans perfectly.

• Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?

Brown sugar is crucial for this recipe as it provides moisture, depth of flavor, and helps create a chewier texture. Substituting with white sugar will significantly change the cookie’s taste and consistency.

• How do I know when the butter is properly browned?

Look for a rich amber color and a nutty, toasty aroma. The milk solids at the bottom of the pan will turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn the butter, as it can quickly go from perfectly browned to burnt.

Why You’ll Enjoy Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Elevate Flavor Complexity: Browned butter adds a rich, nutty depth that transforms ordinary chocolate chip cookies into a gourmet experience, creating an irresistible aroma and taste.
• Master Baking Techniques: Learn professional techniques like browning butter and perfectly balancing ingredients, which boost your culinary skills and confidence in the kitchen.
• Customize with Texture: Combine dark chocolate and pecans for a delightful crunch and mix of flavors, making each bite a unique and satisfying treat that goes beyond traditional cookie recipes.
• Impress Guests Easily: These sophisticated cookies look and taste like they're from a high-end bakery, perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or surprising friends and family with your baking prowess.

Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Indulgent butter pecan chocolate chip cookies blend Southern comfort with sweet chocolate decadence. Nutty pecans and rich chocolate create a perfect harmony that melts in your mouth, promising pure dessert bliss for cookie enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (265g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (220g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

Chocolate and Nuts:

• 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate (chips or chopped)
• 1 cup pecan halves (roughly chopped)
• Extra dark chocolate for topping
• Extra pecan halves for topping

Spices and Extras:

• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Flaky sea salt

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Instructions

1. Caramelize butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it transforms into a rich amber hue with a nutty fragrance. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
2. Transfer the browned butter to a large mixing bowl, ensuring all flavorful browned bits are scraped from the pot. Allow to cool slightly.
3. In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon using a whisk. Set mixture aside.
4. Incorporate brown sugar, white sugar, and molasses into the cooled brown butter. Whisk until the mixture resembles a slushy consistency, using either a hand whisk or electric mixer.
5. Integrate eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until completely blended and smooth.
6. Gradually add dry ingredient mixture, mixing until just combined. Switch to a rubber spatula when dough begins to thicken, gently folding ingredients.
7. Gently fold dark chocolate chunks and chopped pecans into the dough. If mixture appears too soft, refrigerate uncovered for approximately 30 minutes to firm up.
8. Portion dough using a 2-ounce scoop or 1/4 cup measure, placing scoops on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Strategically place additional chocolate chips and pecans on top of each portion.
9. Chill cookie dough for a minimum of 30 minutes, or alternatively, refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor development.
10. Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange 5-6 large cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 13-15 minutes (10-12 minutes for smaller cookies) until edges turn golden and centers appear slightly underbaked.
11. Immediately after removing from oven, sprinkle sea salt over cookies. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes if too delicate to transfer, then carefully move to a cooling rack.
12. Continue baking remaining dough, serving warm for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

• Carefully monitor the butter while browning to achieve a rich, nutty flavor without burning, which can quickly turn bitter and ruin the entire batch.
• Refrigerating the dough helps prevent spreading and intensifies the flavors, creating a more complex and chewy cookie texture.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to the dough to enhance their natural nuttiness and provide a deeper, more robust flavor profile.
• Swap traditional flour with a gluten-free blend and add a pinch of xanthan gum to maintain the cookie’s structure and texture.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 205
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg