Name: Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips; 1 cup pecans, chopped and lightly toasted

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Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies are soft, thick, bakery-style cookies loaded with rich chocolate chips and toasted pecans. Each bite delivers warm buttery flavor, melty chocolate, and a satisfying nutty crunch. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or everyday baking, these cookies bring classic comfort with a gourmet twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies stand out due to their exceptional texture—chewy centers, crisp edges, and crunchy toasted pecans that add depth and balance to the sweetness. They are easy to prepare, use simple pantry ingredients, and produce consistent, delicious results every time. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or stored for later, these cookies feel indulgent and homemade. They also freeze beautifully, making them ideal for meal prep or gifting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
baking soda
salt
unsalted butter, softened
granulated sugar
brown sugar
eggs
vanilla extract
chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
pecans, toasted and roughly chopped

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Fold in chocolate chips and chopped pecans.
Scoop dough into even-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers appear slightly soft.
Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring cookies to a wire rack.

Servings and Timing

Makes approximately 20–24 cookies
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: around 40 minutes

Variations

Dark Chocolate Pecan Cookies: Use dark chocolate chunks instead of semi-sweet chips.
Maple Pecan Cookies: Add a splash of maple extract or syrup for warm fall flavor.
Salted Pecan Cookies: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking.
White Chocolate and Pecan: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate for creamy white chocolate.
Extra Nutty: Add walnuts or almonds along with the pecans.

Storage/Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To freeze, place baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
To reheat, warm a cookie in the microwave for 8–10 seconds for a soft, fresh-from-the-oven texture.
Unbaked dough freezes well; bake from frozen by adding 1–2 extra minutes.

FAQs

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Butter may be too warm. Chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking.

Can I use toasted pecans?

Yes—toast pecans lightly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor.

Can I substitute margarine for butter?

Butter is recommended for best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used if needed.

Can I add more chocolate chips?

Yes, increase the amount if you prefer extra chocolate.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Use a high-quality gluten-free baking blend for similar results.

Why are my cookies dry?

Too much flour can cause dryness. Spoon flour into the measuring cup rather than packing it.

Can I brown the butter?

Yes, brown butter adds a deep caramelized flavor—just cool it slightly before using.

Can I replace pecans with other nuts?

Walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts also work well.

Can I chill the dough overnight?

Absolutely—chilling enhances flavor and improves cookie thickness.

How do I keep cookies soft?

Store with a slice of bread inside the container to retain moisture.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies offer a perfect blend of sweet, buttery, and nutty flavors in each delicious bite. Easy to make and consistently satisfying, they are ideal for any occasion—from casual snacking to special gatherings. These cookies bake thick, soft, and rich with texture, making them a timeless favorite you will return to again and again.

Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

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Soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies enhanced with buttery toasted pecans for a rich, nutty flavor.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
Fold in chocolate chips and toasted pecans.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.