Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe

Irresistibly Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe

My latest chocolate chip pecan cookies bring unexpected magic to classic baking traditions.

Crisp edges mingle with soft, chewy centers in this delightful treat.

Pecans add a rich, nutty dimension that surprises and delights unsuspecting taste buds.

Southern baking wisdom meets modern kitchen creativity in each carefully crafted bite.

Crunchy nuts complement melted chocolate chips, creating a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Baking these cookies feels like sharing a warm secret with someone special.

You’ll want to savor every crumbly, indulgent moment of this delectable experience.

What Makes Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Addictive

  • Prepare these cookies in under 30 minutes from start to finish, delivering warm, gooey satisfaction when you need a speedy sweet fix.
  • Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend treats that appeal to both kids and adults with their irresistible combination of chocolate and nutty pecans.
  • Achieve the ultimate cookie experience with a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center that melts in your mouth, creating a perfect balance of textures in every bite.

All the Ingredients for Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps create a soft, chewy texture; high-quality unsalted butter recommended.
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramel-like flavor; light brown sugar works best.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structure; room temperature eggs mix more easily.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor; pure vanilla extract preferred over artificial.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Gives cookies their structure; use fresh, properly measured flour.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread; ensure it's fresh and not expired.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Mix-In Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips, Pecans: Adds texture and depth of flavor; chopped pecans provide crunch; semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips recommended for best taste balance.

How to Bake Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Easily

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F. Grab two baking sheets and cover them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Whip Butter And Sugar Into Fluffy Clouds

Grab a big mixing bowl and transform butter, brown sugar, and white sugar into a dreamy, light mixture. Use an electric mixer and beat for 2-3 minutes until super fluffy.

Step 3: Introduce Eggs And Vanilla

  • Crack eggs into the buttery mixture
  • Add vanilla extract

Blend everything until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Create Dry Ingredient Magic

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Gently mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Stir just until everything comes together- don’t overmix!

Step 5: Sprinkle In Delicious Extras

Fold in:
  • Chocolate chips
  • Chopped pecans

Mix gently to distribute evenly.

Step 6: Shape And Bake Cookie Perfection

Scoop dough into golf ball-sized rounds. Place cookies on prepared sheets, leaving space between each. Slide into the oven and bake 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden but centers remain soft.

Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack.

Step 7: Savor The Moment

Grab a cold glass of milk and enjoy these warm, gooey cookies straight from the oven!

Pro Tips for Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

  • Soften Butter Perfectly: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to ensure a smooth, fluffy texture that blends seamlessly with sugars.
  • Prevent Overmixing Dough: Stop mixing dry ingredients as soon as they're just combined to keep cookies tender and avoid developing tough gluten structures.
  • Customize Nut Preferences: Swap pecans with walnuts, almonds, or skip nuts entirely for a classic chocolate chip cookie if family members have nut allergies.
  • Boost Flavor Intensity: Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before chopping to enhance their nutty, rich flavor and add depth to the cookie's taste profile.
  • Store Cookies Smartly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing a slice of bread inside to maintain their signature chewy texture.

How to Keep Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Fresh

  • Store cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing them from sticking together.
  • Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, separating layers with wax paper, and freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
  • Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore their soft, chewy texture.
  • Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying their delicious flavor and texture.

What to Enjoy With Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

  • Serve alongside a chilled glass of whole milk to complement the rich chocolate and nutty pecan flavors, creating a classic cookie-and-milk combination that enhances the cookie's sweetness.
  • Match with a robust dark roast coffee or espresso, which cuts through the cookie's richness and provides a delightful contrast between the sweet treat and the bitter coffee notes.
  • For adult gatherings, pair with a smooth caramel-forward whiskey that echoes the brown sugar undertones in the cookies, offering a sophisticated dessert experience that elevates the nutty, chocolatey profile.
  • Top a warm cookie with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, creating a decadent dessert where the cold, smooth ice cream melts slightly against the warm, chewy cookie texture.

Flavorful Twists on Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same chewy texture and rich flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version that's equally delicious.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and add extra nuts for natural sweetness and crunch, perfect for those watching their sugar intake.
  • Nutty Alternative Cookies: Substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts for a different flavor profile while maintaining the cookie's signature chewy texture and chocolate richness.
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Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe

Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Irresistible “chewy chocolate chip pecan cookies” promise a delightful journey through rich, buttery textures and classic comfort. Nutty pecans and melted chocolate create a perfect harmony that welcomes friends and family to sweet, memorable moments.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups (315 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (340 grams) semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (120 grams) chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1 cup (230 grams) unsalted butter, softened

Sweeteners:

  • 1 cup (200 grams) brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare your workspace by setting the oven temperature to 350F (175C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
  2. Combine softened butter with brown and granulated sugars in a large mixing bowl, whipping the mixture until it becomes airy and voluminous, which typically takes 2-3 minutes of vigorous blending.
  3. Introduce eggs individually to the butter-sugar mixture, thoroughly incorporating each one before adding the next, then blend in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.
  4. Create a separate dry ingredient mixture by whisking flour, baking soda, and salt together, then carefully integrate this into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to maintain the cookies’ tender texture.
  5. Gently incorporate chocolate chips and chopped pecans into the dough, ensuring even distribution for consistent flavor in every bite.
  6. Portion the dough into golf ball-sized rounds, spacing them generously across the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading during baking, then place in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden and centers remain slightly soft.
  7. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set their structure, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling, creating the perfect chewy texture that makes these cookies irresistible.

Notes

  • Soft Butter Matters: Ensure butter is room temperature but not melted for the perfect cookie texture and consistent creaming.
  • Chill Dough Option: Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and enhance flavor depth.
  • Pecan Toasting Trick: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 195
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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