If you have a sweet tooth and love a cookie with just the right amount of chewy goodness, then this Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine biting into a warm cookie with melty semi-sweet chocolate chips and crunchy toasted pecans, all wrapped up in a tender, chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more. It’s a simple recipe that delivers joy in every bite and a perfect way to bring a little happiness to your day (or to share with friends and family).
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something magical about a handful of well-chosen ingredients coming together to create cookies that are more than just sweet treats — they’re memories in the making. Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, whether it’s the buttery richness, the sweet balance of sugars, or the satisfying crunch of pecans.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy base that makes the cookies tender and rich, but not greasy.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookies’ structure for that perfect chew.
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel note that deepens the flavor and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A little boost of warmth and depth that elevates all the other flavors.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add to the cookie’s softness.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that creates the dough’s structure.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate and nut flavors.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and spread out just enough.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: For bursts of melty, rich chocolate in every bite.
- 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped: Adds crunch and a nutty aroma, making these cookies truly special.
How to Make Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick silicone mat to prevent sticking and to keep your cookies’ bottoms perfectly crisp without burning.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and pale in color. This step ensures the sugars dissolve into the butter for maximum flavor and a tender crumb in those chewy cookies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the wet ingredients are well combined. The eggs bring moisture and fat, while vanilla adds a fragrant background note that makes the cookies irresistible.
Step 4: Blend Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Adding these dry ingredients gradually to your wet mixture avoids overmixing and helps maintain the tender chewiness of the cookies.
Step 5: Incorporate Chocolate Chips and Pecans
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans, aiming to spread these delicious bits evenly throughout the dough. This step is where the cookie starts to take on its signature character — gooey chocolate and crunch in every bite.
Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional for Extra Chew)
For thicker, more tender cookies with that addictive chew, refrigerate your dough for at least 30 minutes. If you’re in a hurry and prefer thinner, crispier cookies, it’s perfectly fine to bake right away.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop generous mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them well so they don’t merge. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are turning golden brown but the centers still look soft. This timing is key for that perfect chewy texture.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes — this helps them firm up just enough without losing their chewy center. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, or sneak a warm bite (no judgment here!)
How to Serve Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are fantastic on their own, you can elevate their presentation by sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking. It creates a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast that highlights the chocolate and nuts beautifully.
Side Dishes
The cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea. For an indulgent treat, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream for a cookie-and-cream combo that’s pure bliss.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the cookie jar! Arrange these Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe beauties on a rustic wooden board for a cozy dessert platter, or package a few in a cute gift box with a ribbon to share some tasty love with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their chewy texture beautifully for up to 5 days, making them perfect for satisfying those unexpected snack cravings.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, the cookie dough freezes splendidly. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen (just add a couple of extra minutes). You can also freeze baked cookies, but dough freezing yields the freshest results.
Reheating
To revive a batch of cookies, warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds. This melts the chocolate chips again and brings back that soft, chewy texture like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute pecans with another nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work wonderfully if pecans aren’t your favorite or you don’t have any on hand. Just chop them coarsely to keep that satisfying crunch.
Why do the cookies sometimes come out cakey instead of chewy?
Overmixing the dough or using too much flour can lead to cakey cookies. Be sure to mix just until combined and measure the flour carefully. Chilling the dough also helps maintain chewiness.
Can I use melted butter instead of softened butter?
Using melted butter can make your cookies spread more and end up crisper. For that signature chewy texture, softened butter beaten with sugars is the best choice.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
Swap out the butter for a vegan butter substitute and use flax or chia seeds mixed with water as an egg replacer. Use dairy-free chocolate chips, and you’re all set for vegan-friendly chewy chocolate chip pecan cookies.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is optional but recommended if you want thicker, chewier cookies with deeper flavor. If you’re in a rush, you can bake immediately, but the texture may be slightly thinner and crisper.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe has something magical going on — it’s reliable, easy to make, and unbelievably delicious. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a cozy afternoon snack, or just because, these cookies deliver all the satisfaction of a homemade treat with that perfect balance of chewy and crunchy. So grab your ingredients and get ready to bake some smiles into your day!
Print
Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies are perfectly soft and packed with semi-sweet chocolate chips and crunchy pecans. With a buttery, tender texture and just the right balance of sweetness, they make an irresistible treat for cookie lovers seeking a classic yet indulgent homemade snack.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (not melted)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Add-ins
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a nonstick silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together using a stand mixer or hand mixer until the mixture is well combined, fluffy, and creamy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly until fully blended and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, mixing well after each addition until a cohesive cookie dough forms without overmixing.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Pecans: Gently stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coarsely chopped pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Chill Dough (Optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. For thinner, crisper cookies, proceed to baking immediately.
- Form Cookies and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop heaping portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but centers remain soft.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Refrigerating the dough before baking enhances chewiness and flavor development.
- Using parchment paper or a silicone mat helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- To toast pecans for extra flavor, spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes before chopping.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit pecans or substitute with additional chocolate chips.
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted to achieve the proper cookie texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they are best consumed within 4-5 days.
