Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies are the ultimate classic sweet treat that everyone adores, and this easy recipe guarantees perfectly chewy centers and delightfully crisp edges. This recipe for Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies is incredibly useful for anyone seeking a reliable and delicious homemade cookie that’s sure to impress, whether for a special occasion or a simple afternoon indulgence.
Key Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
How to Make Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies:
Get ready to bake up a batch of irresistible Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies that are wonderfully simple to make and incredibly satisfying. These cookies boast a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors, with a texture that’s simply divine – chewy on the inside and delightfully crisp on the outside. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes (plus chilling), you’ll be enjoying these delicious treats in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside. This simple step ensures even distribution of leavening and salt for perfectly balanced cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This creaming process incorporates air, crucial for cookie texture.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Ensure each egg is fully blended before adding the next.
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Pecans: Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans using a wooden spoon or spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Make sure every bite will have those delightful pockets of chocolate and crunch of nuts.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 1-2 hours. Chilling the dough is a crucial step that allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Portion the Dough: Drop rounded tablespoons of chilled dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. You can use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Baking time will vary depending on your oven and the size of your cookies.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2-3 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set up properly.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies:
You’ll absolutely adore these Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies for their intensely comforting and familiar flavor profile that’s elevated by the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. Unlike store-bought cookies that often lack that homemade touch, these gems offer a delightful textural contrast with their perfectly chewy interiors and slightly crisp edges, making every bite a joyous experience. The rich combination of tender cookie dough, melty chocolate, and buttery pecans makes them a standout treat that’s reminiscent of your favorite bakery indulgence, but far more budget-friendly when made at home.
These cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a warm hug in edible form, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying all by yourself with a tall glass of milk. The simple yet profound deliciousness of these Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies is truly unmatched. So, don’t wait any longer to experience this baking magic – grab your apron and get ready to create a batch of these incredible cookies today!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- At Room Temperature: Store cooled Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. To maintain freshness, you can place a slice of bread in the container; it will help keep the cookies soft.
- Refrigeration: If you live in a very warm climate or prefer them slightly firmer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, be aware that refrigeration can sometimes make cookies a bit harder.
- Freezing Unbaked Dough: For the ultimate convenience, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Baked and cooled cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
- Reheating Baked Cookies: To refresh baked cookies that have become a bit stale, you can gently warm them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes. Alternatively, a few seconds in the microwave can bring back some of their soft chewiness.
Final Thoughts:
These Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies are a testament to the simple joy of classic baking, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors that never disappoints. Whip up a batch of these easy-to-make cookies and discover why they’re a universally loved treat. Get baking and spread some homemade cookie happiness!
Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt
- In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- Beat in the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
- Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans using a wooden spoon or spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup chopped pecans
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 1-2 hours.
- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of chilled dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2-3 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.