Chocolate Pecan Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s buttery, nutty, and bursting with chocolate, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Chocolate Pecan Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies balance the rich flavor of pecans with melty chocolate chips, making every bite a little moment of joy. Whether it’s for a cozy afternoon treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert, you’ll find these cookies become an instant favorite — and I’m excited to share every step, tip, and trick to help you bake them perfectly.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For these cookies, you want quality ingredients that complement each other — the richness of butter and chocolate, the warmth of vanilla, and the crunch of pecans. When shopping, pick fresh pecans and good-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.

• Butter: I always use unsalted, softened butter to control salt levels and get that perfect creamy texture.
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps with crispiness.
• Brown Sugar: For that subtle molasses depth and chewy texture you’ll love.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance all the sweetness and enhance flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla really lifts the overall profile — don’t skip this!
• Flour: All-purpose flour works great here for structure.
• Water: Helps keep the dough moist and works with the flour for texture.
• Chopped Pecans: Adds nutty crunch that my family goes crazy for.
• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or bittersweet work best for that melty goodness.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Chocolate Pecan Cookies Recipe is how you can make it your own. I like to switch up the nuts or add a little extra chocolate to suit the mood or the season. Experimenting with flavors is part of the fun!

• Nut Swap: I once tried walnuts instead of pecans, and it was delicious — a bit earthier but just as satisfying.
• Extra Chocolate: Sometimes I’ll toss in white chocolate chips or chunks for a fun twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe friendly for gluten-sensitive friends (just keep an eye on dough texture).
• Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy holiday vibe that’s always a hit.

How to Make Chocolate Pecan Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Creaming Together the Base

Start by combining softened butter with sugar, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla extract in a large bowl or your stand mixer. Beat this mixture until it’s smooth and fluffy. I like to scrape down the sides a couple of times so everything blends evenly — this part is where the cookies get their rich, buttery soul! It usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.

Step 2: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Pecans

Next, add in your flour, chopped pecans, and water. Beat just until everything comes together — don’t overmix or the cookies will end up tough. The pecans bring a lovely crunch that contrasts the soft batter perfectly. I always make sure my pecans are coarsely chopped to get a nice texture without overpowering each bite.

Step 3: Chill and Shape the Dough

Place the dough on a large piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap and shape it into a log about 10 inches long and 2 inches thick. This chilling step is crucial — wrap it tightly and refrigerate for 2-3 hours until firm. I discovered that chilling helps the cookie slices hold their shape and bake evenly without spreading too much.

Step 4: Slice and Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unwrap the chilled dough and slice it into 1/4 inch thick pieces. Arrange them on the sheet with about 1 inch between each cookie. Bake for 14-16 minutes, until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Your kitchen will start smelling like heaven! Don’t worry if it takes you a few batches — I always use up all my dough this way.

Step 5: Drizzle with Melted Chocolate

While the cookies cool, melt your chocolate chips in the microwave in short bursts of 20 seconds, stirring in between to prevent burning. Once melted, use a spoon to drizzle the chocolate in a zig-zag pattern over each cookie — it adds that extra touch of elegance and taste. Pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes so the chocolate firms up nicely.

Step 6: Store and Enjoy

Once the chocolate is set, store your cookies in an airtight container. I’ve found that these cookies stay fresh and tasty for up to a week when kept at room temperature — though they rarely last that long in my house!

How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love to serve these cookies just as they are to highlight the chocolate drizzle and pecan bits. For a fancy touch, I sometimes sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt over the chocolate drizzle before it sets — it gives a delicious sweet-salty contrast that blows people away.

Side Dishes

These cookies go perfectly alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk. If you’re serving them at a gathering, I like pairing them with fresh fruit or a simple vanilla ice cream to round out the dessert table.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve arranged these cookies in decorative tins lined with parchment paper and tied with a ribbon — they make lovely gifts. You can also stack them on a cake stand or arrange them in festive shapes like wreaths for an eye-catching display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container — it helps maintain moisture. These cookies usually stay good for about a week this way, but they rarely last that long!

Freezing

The dough freezes beautifully, which I love for quick future baking sessions. Just wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, slice, and bake as usual. Cookies bake up just as good as fresh!

Reheating

If you have leftover cookies, a quick warm-up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds brings back the melty chocolate experience. Or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to refresh their crisp edges without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Pecan Cookies Recipe has become one of my go-to treats whenever I want to impress without stress. It’s reliable, downright delicious, and filled with little touches like the pecans and chocolate drizzle that make it feel homemade yet special. I hope you try it and enjoy baking it just as much as my family and I do — it’s like a warm hug in cookie form!

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