Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies combine the rich sweetness of chocolate chips with the buttery crunch of pecans, creating a cookie that’s crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and loaded with flavor. This recipe is simple to make, packed with nutty goodness, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a gift, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these cookies will become a go-to favorite.

Can’t get enough of chocolate chip cookies? Check out these amazing Chocolate Chip Cookie Variations!

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

• Perfect texture – Crisp edges with a chewy center.
• Flavor explosion – Buttery pecans + melty chocolate = heaven.
• Easy to make – No fancy techniques required.
• Freezer-friendly – Make the dough ahead of time and bake fresh cookies whenever you want!

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

A great cookie starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Purpose
Butter (softened)	Adds richness and flavor
Brown Sugar	Creates a chewy texture
Granulated Sugar	Adds sweetness and crispiness
Eggs	Provide structure and moisture
Vanilla Extract	Enhances overall flavor
All-Purpose Flour	The base for the dough
Baking Soda	Helps the cookies rise
Salt	Balances sweetness and enhances flavors
Chocolate Chips	Adds melty chocolate goodness
Pecans (chopped)	Brings a nutty crunch

💡 Pro Tip: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the dough deepens their flavor!

For a twist, try Chocolate Chip Coconut Cookies for a rich flavor, Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookies for an extra nutty crunch, or Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies for the perfect balance of chocolate and walnuts.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Before starting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cream the Butter & Sugars

• In a spacious bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients

• In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is just blended.

4. Add the Chocolate Chips & Pecans

• Fold in the chocolate chips and pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

For a unique twist, you can also try using coconut for a slightly tropical flair—just like in these Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies!

5. Scoop & Bake

• Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

6. Cool & Enjoy

• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.

How to Store & Freeze Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

Storing Baked Cookies

• Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For extra freshness, add a slice of bread to the container—it keeps cookies soft!

Freezing Dough

• Scoop dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet until solid.
• Place in a zip-top freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
• Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 2–3 minutes to the baking time.

Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies: Variations & Substitutions

• No Pecans? No Problem! – Swap them for walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts.
• Dark Chocolate Lover? – Replace semi-sweet chips with dark chocolate chunks for a deeper flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Brown Butter Upgrade – Melt and brown the butter before mixing for a rich, nutty flavor.

FAQs: How to Make Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Perfectly

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?

Yes! Milk chocolate makes these cookies even sweeter. If you prefer a more balanced flavor, stick to semi-sweet or dark chocolate.

Do I have to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling is optional but recommended. It helps prevent spreading and gives the cookies a richer flavor.

Can I make these cookies without nuts?

Absolutely! Simply leave out the pecans or replace them with extra chocolate chips.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The edges should be golden brown, and the centers may look slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.

What’s the best way to toast pecans for this recipe?

Spread pecans on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, stirring once. Let them cool before adding to the dough.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Just ensure you have enough baking sheets and oven space.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

It could be overly soft butter or not enough flour. Try chilling the dough before baking.

How can I make my cookies extra thick?

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking, and use a higher ratio of brown sugar to granulated sugar.

Conclusion: The Best Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies are a must-try for cookie lovers. Their buttery crunch, melty chocolate, and soft centers make them an instant favorite. Whether you’re baking for a party, holiday, or just because—you’ll love how easy and delicious they are!

So, grab your mixing bowl and get baking! And if you try this recipe, leave a comment below and share your experience. Happy baking!

Key Takeaways

• Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies are crispy, chewy, and packed with nutty flavor.
• Toasting pecans enhances their rich, buttery taste.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze them for as long as 3 months.
• Experiment with chocolate types, nut varieties, and even brown butter for variations.

Learn more about the benefits of pecans from the American Pecan Council.