Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

If you’re a fan of warm, gooey cookies with a delightful crunch, look no further than these Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies. This recipe combines rich chocolate chips and crunchy pecans to create a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy night in, or just because you deserve a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress.

Ingredients

To make approximately 24 cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts, if preferred)

Instructions

this recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and come out perfectly chewy.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans using a spatula, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

1. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. For a chewier texture, err on the side of underbaking slightly.

Step 4: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

• Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted. This is crucial for achieving the right texture.
• Measuring Flour: Avoid packing your flour into the measuring cup. Use the spoon-and-level method for accuracy.
• Add-Ins Variations: Feel free to customize your cookies by adding different types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, or using dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.

Conclusion

These Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies with the nutty goodness of pecans. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, they are sure to become a favorite in your cookie repertoire. Try this recipe today, and watch as your friends and family come back for seconds!

Serving and Storage Tips for Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

Once you’ve baked your delicious Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies, it’s important to know how to serve and store them for optimal freshness and enjoyment. Here are some handy tips:

Serving Suggestions

1. Warm Out of the Oven: Serve your cookies warm for the best texture and flavor. The chocolate chips will be gooey, making each bite irresistibly delicious.
2. Pairing with Beverages: These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a warm cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
3. Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter or in a cookie jar for an appealing presentation. Consider garnishing with a few whole pecans or a sprinkle of sea salt on top to enhance the visual appeal.
4. Custom Serving: For special occasions, try sandwiching two cookies with ice cream in between for an impressive ice cream sandwich. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for an extra touch of decadence.

Storage Tips

1. Airtight Container: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their chewiness and prevent them from becoming stale.
2. Layering with Parchment Paper: If stacking the cookies in a container, place parchment paper between the layers to avoid sticking.
3. Room Temperature Storage: Properly stored, these cookies will stay fresh for about 5-7 days at room temperature. However, they are best enjoyed within the first few days of baking.
4. Freezing for Later: If you want to save some cookies for later, you can freeze them. Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
5. Cookie Dough Storage: If you prefer to bake fresh cookies as needed, you can also freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies stay fresh, delicious, and ready to be enjoyed anytime!

FAQs for Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

Q1: Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for pecans, you can substitute them with other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts. Just make sure to chop them to a similar size to maintain the texture of the cookies.

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Q2: What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
A: If your cookie dough is too sticky to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm up the dough, making it easier to scoop and shape. You can also add a little extra flour, but be cautious not to add too much, as it can affect the cookie’s texture.

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Q3: How can I ensure my cookies are chewy and not cakey?
A: To keep your cookies chewy, make sure not to overmix the dough once you add the flour. Additionally, avoid overbaking them; they should look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.

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Q4: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can make gluten-free Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to mimic the texture of regular flour. Adjustments in baking time may also be necessary, so keep an eye on the cookies as they bake.

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