Who doesn’t love a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie? Now, imagine that classic favorite with a nutty twist—rich, buttery pecans add the perfect crunch, balancing the sweetness of melty chocolate. These chocolate chip pecan cookies are the ultimate treat: crispy on the edges, soft in the middle, and packed with flavor.
Whether you need a quick snack, a crowd-pleasing dessert, or a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies fit the occasion. Pair them with a glass of milk for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up, or serve them at a party for guaranteed smiles.
What makes this recipe a must-try? It’s all about balance:
✅ Sweet, melty chocolate
✅ Crunchy, buttery pecans
✅ Soft, chewy centers with crisp edges
Even if you’re new to baking, don’t worry—I’ll guide you step by step to make the best chocolate chip pecan cookies from scratch. So, grab your apron and let’s bake! 🍪🔥
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
To make these deliciously nutty and chocolatey cookies, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and a few key ingredients that take them to the next level.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cookies, providing structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Gives the cookies a rich, buttery texture. (Use high-quality butter for the best flavor!)
- 1 cup brown sugar – Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – Helps create crisp edges.
- 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients and keeps the cookies soft.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness and adds warmth.
Mix-ins
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 🍫 – Melty chocolate in every bite! You can also mix in milk or dark chocolate.
- 1 cup pecans, chopped 🌰 – Adds crunch and a nutty depth. Lightly toasting them before mixing enhances their flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes baking easier! Here’s what you’ll need:
Baking Essentials
✔ Mixing bowls – One large for the dough, one medium for dry ingredients.
✔ Measuring cups & spoons – Precision is key for baking!
✔ Baking sheets – Use nonstick or line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
✔ Cooling racks – Helps cookies cool evenly without getting soggy.
Optional but Helpful Tools
✔ Cookie scoop – For evenly sized cookies.
✔ Stand mixer or hand mixer – Speeds up the butter and sugar creaming process.
✔ Spatula – Helps fold in chocolate chips and pecans without overmixing.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
Making homemade cookies is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to get crispy edges, chewy centers, and a perfect balance of chocolate and pecans.
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by creaming together:
✔ 1 cup softened butter
✔ 1 cup brown sugar
✔ ½ cup granulated sugar
- Use a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture looks light and fluffy.
- This step is crucial for getting that soft, chewy texture in your cookies!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
✔ Crack in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each.
✔ Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for a warm, rich flavor.
- Beat until everything is fully combined.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
✔ 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
✔ 1 teaspoon baking soda
✔ ½ teaspoon salt
- Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed.
- Stop once everything is just combined—don’t overmix, or your cookies may become tough!
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Pecans
✔ 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 🍫
✔ 1 cup chopped pecans 🌰 (Toast them for extra flavor!)
- Use a spatula to gently fold them into the dough.
- Make sure every bite has plenty of chocolate and pecans!
Pro Tip! 💡
For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps control spreading and enhances flavor!
Shaping and Baking the Cookies
Now that your dough is ready, it’s time to shape and bake the cookies to golden, gooey perfection!
Step 1: Scoop and Portion the Dough
✔ Use a cookie scoop or two spoons to portion the dough into balls, about 2 tablespoons each.
✔ Roll them slightly in your hands for even shapes.
✅ Pro Tip: For extra bakery-style cookies, press a few extra chocolate chips and pecan pieces on top before baking!
Step 2: Arrange the Cookies on a Baking Sheet
✔ Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (this prevents sticking and ensures even baking).
✔ Place dough balls about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
✔ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
✔ Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown but centers look slightly underdone.
✔ The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool!
✅ Pro Tip: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning.
Step 4: Cool the Cookies
✔ Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
✔ This allows them to set without overbaking.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
Freshly baked cookies are amazing, but what if you want to store them for later? Here’s how to keep them soft, chewy, and delicious for days (or even months)!
Storing Fresh Cookies
✔ Once cooled, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
✔ They stay fresh for up to 1 week.
✔ Place a slice of bread in the container—the cookies absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them soft longer!
Freezing Cookies for Later
Freezing Baked Cookies
✔ Let cookies cool completely.
✔ Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container.
✔ Store for up to 3 months.
✔ To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.
Freezing Cookie Dough (Best Option for Freshly Baked Cookies Anytime!)
✔ Scoop cookie dough into balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.
✔ Freeze for 30–60 minutes until solid.
✔ Transfer to a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
✔ Bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time!
Tips, Variations & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Want to customize your cookies or avoid baking mishaps? Here’s everything you need to know!
Tips for the Perfect Texture
✔ For chewy cookies: Use more brown sugar than white sugar and don’t overbake.
✔ For crispier cookies: Use more granulated sugar and bake a couple of minutes longer.
✔ Chill the dough! Refrigerating for at least 30 minutes prevents spreading.
✔ Use high-quality butter and chocolate—it makes a huge difference in flavor!
✔ Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even cooking.
Fun Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Try these delicious twists on the classic recipe!
Flavor Add-Ins
🍯 Toffee Bits – Add a caramelized crunch.
🍊 Orange Zest – A hint of citrus enhances the chocolate.
🧂 Flaky Sea Salt – Sprinkle on top before baking for a gourmet touch.
Chocolate Variations
🍫 Mrs Fields Chocolate Chip Cookies – Sweeter, creamier cookies.
🍫 Chocolate Chip Cookies Without Brown Sugar – Intense chocolate flavor with a slight bitterness.
🍫 Chocolate Chip Cheeasecake Cookies – A creamy contrast to the crunchy pecans.
Nut & Mix-In Ideas
🌰 Walnuts or Almonds – Swap pecans for a different nutty twist.
🥥 Shredded Coconut – Adds a tropical chewiness.
🍒 Dried Cherries or Cranberries – A tart-sweet surprise.
Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling racks
- Hand mixer or stand mixer (optional)
- Cookie scoop (optional)
- Spatula
Materials
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Mix-ins:
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup pecans chopped (toasted for extra flavor, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Beat until combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in mix-ins: Gently fold in chocolate chips and chopped pecans using a spatula.
- Chill (optional but recommended): Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Shape and arrange: Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon balls. Place 2 inches apart on lined baking sheets. Optionally press extra chips and pecans on top.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers look slightly underbaked. Rotate pans halfway through for even baking.
- Cool: Let cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the most challenging cookie to make?
The “hardest cookie to make” title often goes to macarons, the French almond meringue cookies. These delicate treats require precision, from whipping egg whites to achieving the perfect “feet” during baking. Even slight changes in humidity or oven temperature can ruin a batch.
How do I make my cookies chewy instead of crunchy?
Focus on moisture for chewy cookies. Use more brown sugar than white sugar, add an extra egg yolk, and avoid overbaking. Chilling the dough before baking helps keep the centers soft while the edges are set.
What is in cowboy cookies?
Cowboy cookies are a hearty, all-in-one treat. They usually contain oats, chocolate chips, pecans, and shredded coconut, but some recipes add ingredients like raisins or cinnamon. These cookies are perfect for a cookie packed with flavor and texture.
Why are Toll House cookies so good?
Toll House cookies are famous for their balance of sweet, buttery, and slightly salty flavors. The recipe, developed by Ruth Wakefield in the 1930s, was the first to combine semi-sweet chocolate chunks with a traditional cookie dough. Plus, their soft center and crispy edges make them irresistible.
What is the most-eaten cookie in the world?
Oreo is the most popular cookie globally. Known for its chocolate wafer and cream filling, it’s been a staple snack since 1912. People love them plain, dunked in milk, or even crushed as a dessert topping.
What is a rare cookie?
A rare cookie is often a specialty or regional treat, like Basler Läckerli from Switzerland. These spiced cookies, made with honey, nuts, and candied peel, have a unique chewy texture and are not commonly found outside their home region.