Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

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There’s something truly nostalgic about a warm batch of chocolate chip pecan cookies. Every bite takes me straight back to my Aunt Ruth’s kitchen in Santa Rosa, where we’d make a mess rolling cookie dough and sneak spoonfuls when no one was looking.

The smell of toasted pecans mingling with melting chocolate chips—that’s a childhood memory I’ll never let go of. Today, I bake these cookies for my family with the same joy, adding a little love and a few secret tricks I’ve learned over the years. This recipe isn’t fancy, but it’s one of those staples that’s always met with smiles and empty cookie jars.

Why Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Box

Chocolate chip pecan cookies aren’t just another cookie—they’re the gold standard when it comes to chewy-meets-crunchy perfection. These cookies deliver everything a dessert lover dreams about: rich chocolate, buttery dough, and the nutty, warm bite of chopped pecans in every chew.

What makes these cookies unforgettable? It’s the toasty pecans. While chocolate chip cookies are universally adored, the addition of pecans elevates texture and flavor, making them stand out in bake sales, potlucks, or late-night cravings. And unlike complex bakes, this dough comes together quickly with simple ingredients you probably have right now.

Every bite is balanced: crisp edges, gooey centers, and melty chocolate that pairs beautifully with toasted pecans. I’ve tested dozens of versions, and this one never fails. Want a shortcut to bliss? Bake a tray of these chocolate chip pecan cookies and watch what happens. Spoiler: They vanish.

And if you’re curious about variations, we also love these brookie cookies and eggless chocolate chip cookies when we’re baking for friends with dietary needs.

Ingredients & Foolproof Steps for Perfect Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

Let’s dive into the best part: baking! This recipe for chocolate chip pecan cookies comes straight from Southern Bite and is tried, tested, and mom-approved.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans (lightly toasted for flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans.
6. Scoop dough (about 1.5 tablespoons per cookie) onto prepared sheets.
7. Bake 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden. Centers will look soft—don’t overbake!
8. Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

This base is so reliable, you can riff off it endlessly. Swap half the chocolate chips for white chocolate or mix in butterscotch chips for a deeper caramel note.

Need something quicker for busy days? Try these mini cookies & chips—they deliver that same satisfying crunch in bite-size form.

Flavor Tips and Brilliant Variations for Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

These chocolate chip pecan cookies are already crowd favorites, but here are some creative spins and pro tips to make them your signature bake.

My Tips:

• Toast your pecans in a dry skillet for 4–5 minutes to bring out their rich, buttery flavor.
• For even richer cookies, use a mix of dark and milk chocolate chips.
• Add flaky sea salt right before baking for a trendy sweet-salty combo.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes to reduce spread and boost chewiness.

Want to impress at your next cookie swap? Try stirring in dried cherries or orange zest. It’s a subtle but elegant upgrade. Prefer a cookie with a twist? Our lemon lavender cookies add floral flair without extra fuss.

And if you’re a chocolate fan who ran out of brown sugar—don’t panic. These chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar are a delicious Plan B.

Bonus: Chocolate chip pecan cookies freeze beautifully. Just scoop dough onto a tray, freeze, then store in a bag. Bake from frozen and add 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

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FAQ: Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookie Questions Answered