Chocolate Chip and Pecan Cookies

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There’s something so comforting about a warm cookie fresh from the oven, and when it comes to classic treats, chocolate chip cookies take the crown.

But let’s kick things up a notch by adding toasted pecans into the mix! These Chocolate Chip and Pecan Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor.

They make for an incredible snack, dessert, or treat to share with friends.

Join me as we dive into this easy-to-follow recipe.

Your taste buds will thank you!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

If you love a cookie that’s both chewy and a bit crispy on the edges, then you’ve stumbled upon a winner! The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy pecans creates a delightful texture and flavor that pairs perfectly with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.

Plus, these cookies are super easy to make, and they don’t require any fancy ingredients or skills.

Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or just for yourself, you’ll be reaching for these cookies time and again.

Ingredients

• 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate), plus more for topping
• 1 cup chopped toasted pecans, plus more for topping

Make sure to grab high-quality ingredients.

The butter and chocolate make a big difference in flavor, so choose what you love!

How To Make Chocolate Chip and Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

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

You want it nice and hot for those cookies to bake perfectly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

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

This will ensure that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed before they meet the wet ones.

Set this bowl aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together.

Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually about 2-3 minutes.

This step is crucial for getting those perfect cookie textures!

Step 4: Add in the Eggs and Vanilla

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is well incorporated before adding the next.

After that, mix in the pure vanilla extract.

Your batter will start to smell amazing at this point!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix! You want the flour to just disappear into the dough.

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Pecans

Using a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips and toasted pecans.

This is where you’ll see (and taste!) the magic happen.

Include extra chocolate chips and pecans if you’re feeling generous!

Step 7: Scoop and Shape the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between each for spreading.

Feel free to press a few more chocolate chips and pecans on top of each cookie for that extra visual appeal.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

The center might look slightly underbaked, but it will set as the cookies cool.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!

Once baked, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

This will help them maintain their perfect shape while cooling.

Expert Tips

• Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted. This will help create that soft and chewy texture.
• Toast your pecans before adding them to the batter. This enhances their flavor and gives your cookies an extra crunch.
• For even better cookies, chill your dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps improve the flavors and the texture.
• If you prefer a thicker cookie, you can add an extra ¼ cup of flour to the dough.

Variations and Customizations

• Swap out the pecans for walnuts if you prefer a different nut flavor.
• Try using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet or milk chocolate for a richer taste.
• Mix in some dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a chewy texture and a hint of tartness.
• For a fun spin, add a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies just before baking for a sweet and salty combo.

How to Store Leftovers

If you happen to have any cookies left (which is rare!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

If you want to keep them longer, these cookies freeze beautifully.

Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container with layers of parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.

They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Whenever you want a cookie, just pull one out and let it thaw or pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up.

FAQ

Can I use other types of flour in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends.

Just note that the texture may vary slightly.

What if I don’t have unsalted butter?

If you only have salted butter, you can still use it! Just reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe.

Can I skip toasting the pecans?

While it’s not necessary, toasting the pecans brings out their flavor.

Skipping this step will result in a more subdued nutty taste, but your cookies will still be delicious!

How can I make these cookies chewy instead of crispy?

For chewier cookies, avoid overbaking them.

Take them out when they are slightly underdone and let them cool on the baking sheet to firm up.

You can also try using a little more brown sugar, as it adds moisture to the cookies.

Conclusion

There you have it: delightful Chocolate Chip and Pecan Cookies that are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings! Whether enjoyed warm right out of the oven or savoring them as a late-night snack, these cookies are bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.

So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to indulge in the warm, gooey goodness.

Happy baking!

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