Introduction

Pecan chocolate chip cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cookie recipe, offering a perfect blend of nutty flavor and sweet chocolate. These cookies are soft, chewy, and irresistibly tasty, making them a favorite among cookie enthusiasts. Whether you are baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to impress.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

– Flour: 2 ¼ cups
– Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
– Salt: ½ teaspoon
– Unsalted butter: 1 cup, softened
– Brown sugar: ¾ cup packed
– Granulated sugar: ¾ cup
– Eggs: 2 large
– Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
– Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup
– Chopped pecans: 1 cup

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare Baking Sheets

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking.

Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.

Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Fold in Chocolate Chips and Pecans

Using a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.

Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each scoop to allow for spreading.

Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

Cool the Cookies

Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Freezing Cookies

To freeze the cookie dough, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.

Variations

Feel free to substitute the pecans with walnuts or omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.

Butter Temperature

Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming, which leads to a better texture in the cookies.

Cook techniques

Chilling the Dough

Chilling the cookie dough before baking helps to solidify the fats, resulting in a sturdier cookie that retains its shape while baking. This step can also enhance the flavors of the cookie.

Using a Cookie Scoop

A cookie scoop ensures that your cookies are uniform in size, which promotes even baking. This tool can help achieve the perfect cookie shape and size consistently.

Mixing Techniques

When combining the wet and dry ingredients, make sure to mix until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as you see no dry flour.

Oven Temperature

Baking at the correct temperature is crucial for achieving the desired texture. An oven that is too hot can cause the cookies to spread too quickly, while one that is too cool can result in underbaked cookies.

Cooling on the Baking Sheet

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes after removing them from the oven. This time allows them to set and makes them easier to transfer to a wire rack without breaking.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or another nut of your choice for a different flavor and texture.

How can I make my cookies chewier?

To achieve chewier cookies, try using more brown sugar than white sugar and consider slightly underbaking them.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Portion it out and freeze it in balls, wrapping them well. When ready to bake, you can bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much?

If your cookies spread too much, check your measurements of the flour and fat. You can also try chilling the dough longer before baking or using a higher protein flour.

Conclusion

These Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect blend of rich chocolate and nutty pecans, creating a delightful treat that satisfies every craving. Their chewy texture and buttery flavor make them an irresistible addition to any dessert table. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they are a go-to recipe for both seasoned bakers and novices alike. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a sweet snack throughout the week!

More recipes suggestions and combination

Pecan Cookies with Maple Glaze

Incorporate a maple glaze over your pecan cookies for an extra layer of sweetness that complements the nuttiness perfectly.

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Try adding oats to the traditional chocolate chip cookie mix for a heartier texture and flavor.

Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Experiment with browning the butter before mixing it into the dough for a deeper, nutty flavor that elevates these cookies.

Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies

Swap out pecans for walnuts to create a different nutty flavor while keeping the same beloved chocolate chip combination.

Holiday Spice Pecan Cookies

Add cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough for a festive twist, making these cookies perfect for the holiday season.