These Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pecans are everything you love in a homemade treat—crisp edges, soft centers, and loaded with chocolate chunks and crunchy nuts. Perfect for Cookie Recipes, Air Fryer Dessert, Quick Easy Desserts, Dessert Cookies, Easy Desserts, and Homemade Cookie fans!
Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pecans Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pecans
- 4) How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pecans
- 5) Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pecans
- 6) Making Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pecans Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pecans
- 8) Try these Cookies next!
- 9) Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pecans
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- How to make bakery-style Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies at home
- Best tips for chewy centers and crispy edges
- Ideas to make ahead and freeze for fresh-baked flavor anytime
- How to store your cookies so they stay fresh and delicious
2) Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pecans Recipe
When it comes to baked goods that satisfy every sweet tooth, nothing beats a batch of Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pecans. These classic treats combine the rich taste of chocolate chunks with the irresistible crunch of toasted pecans, creating a cookie that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re making them for a weekend treat, a holiday cookie swap, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this is the kind of dessert that hits all the right notes. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s accessible for beginners and still impressive enough for seasoned bakers. With ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, and just a few simple steps, you’ll have warm, gooey cookies that are golden on the outside and tender on the inside. Lila from Lila Cooks loves how these cookies can easily be adapted—try adding a sprinkle of sea salt or swapping in walnuts. Plus, this recipe is a perfect fit for fans of Cookie Recipes, Air Fryer Dessert, Quick Easy Desserts, Dessert Cookies, Easy Desserts, and Homemade Cookie.
3) Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pecans
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is key for achieving that smooth, creamy base that makes these cookies rich and flavorful. Make sure it’s room temperature so it blends well with the sugars and creates a fluffy texture in the dough.
Granulated Sugar: This adds the perfect amount of sweetness and helps the cookies get that slight crisp on the edges that balances beautifully with their chewy center.
Brown Sugar: Adds a depth of flavor with its molasses notes and ensures a soft, moist cookie that stays fresh longer than those made with white sugar alone.
Eggs: They provide structure and richness to the cookie dough, helping bind the ingredients while also contributing to a chewy texture.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings all the flavors together and enhances the chocolate and nutty notes in the cookies.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of our cookie dough, all-purpose flour gives the cookies structure without making them too dense.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This gives the dough its deep chocolate flavor. Make sure to use a good quality cocoa powder for the richest taste.
Baking Soda: Acts as the leavening agent that allows the cookies to rise and spread properly in the oven.
Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the richness of the chocolate.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks: Use good-quality chunks for pockets of melty chocolate in every bite—these really elevate the cookies into something special.
Chopped Pecans: Toasted or raw, pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate.
4) How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pecans
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps your cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking, making clean-up much easier.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. This process helps incorporate air into the dough, giving the cookies their signature lightness.
Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until everything is well combined.
Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the cookies can turn out tough.
Step 5: Fold in the chocolate chunks and chopped pecans. Distribute them evenly to ensure every bite has a delightful balance of gooey chocolate and crunchy pecans.
Step 6: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows them to spread without touching.
Step 7: Bake for 9–10 minutes or until the edges are firm but the centers are still soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
5) Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pecans
Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor payoff. You can also mix different types like dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips if you want to customize the flavor. For nut allergies, feel free to omit the pecans or replace them with your favorite cookie mix-in. Always allow your butter to reach room temperature for smooth creaming, and don’t skip chilling the dough if you want thicker cookies. Chilled dough prevents spreading too much and helps concentrate the flavors. For an extra touch, sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top right before baking to bring out the chocolate flavor. Lastly, remember to rotate your baking trays halfway through baking for even browning. This Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels and comes out great every time.
6) Making Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pecans Ahead of Time
Making cookies ahead of time is a great way to always have fresh-baked treats at the ready. Simply prepare the dough as directed, then scoop it into portions and freeze on a tray. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and add 1–2 minutes to the baking time—no need to thaw! This method ensures you always have cookies on hand for surprise guests or sudden cravings. The dough also holds its shape and flavor well when refrigerated for up to 3 days. This method is great for holiday prep or meal planning and ensures every cookie is as fresh as possible. Lila from Lila Cooks always keeps a batch of this Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies dough ready in the freezer for last-minute dessert needs.
7) Storing Leftover Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pecans
To keep your leftover cookies tasting fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain softness, place a slice of bread in the container—it keeps the cookies from drying out. If you’d like to store them longer, they freeze beautifully. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before placing them in a sealed container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months and can be warmed in the microwave or oven for that fresh-baked feel. These cookies are great for lunchboxes, road trips, or anytime snacking. Their rich flavor holds up well, and the pecans retain their crunch even after freezing. For an indulgent twist, try warming one in the microwave and topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—pure dessert bliss from Lila Cooks!
8) Try these Cookies next!
9) Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pecans
Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pecans
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chunks and chopped pecans.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9–10 minutes, or until the edges are set. The centers may look slightly soft—this is perfect.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10) Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 cookie | Calories: 180 | Sugar: 16g | Sodium: 90mg | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Protein: 2g | Cholesterol: 25mg
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