If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect cookie that hits all the right notes, then this Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine the delightful crunch of toasted pecans, the rich, melty pockets of caramel, and the classic chocolate chips all playing together in a chewy, buttery cookie with a sprinkle of sea salt to make the flavors pop. This recipe blends familiar comforts with a gourmet twist, promising a treat that’s just as special for a cozy night in as it is for sharing with friends and family. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll be your go-to when you want to impress or simply indulge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients, expertly combined, create the foundation for these irresistible cookies. Each one adds something magical—whether it’s texture, richness, or flavor depth—making this recipe surprisingly straightforward but anything but ordinary.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the creamy base and ensures a tender crumb.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and that lovely caramel undertone.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps with crisp edges.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the dough.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Elevates all flavors with a warm, inviting aroma.
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone providing structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies spread and rise just right.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: Classic melty chocolate goodness in every bite.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Adds a buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie.
- 1 cup soft caramel bits or chopped soft caramels: Pockets of gooey sweetness that melt perfectly during baking.
- Flaky sea salt for topping: A finishing touch that brings all the flavors alive.
How to Make Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, giving you that perfect golden bottom and easy cleanup at the end.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential as it incorporates air, leading to those wonderfully soft and tender cookies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to blend everything smoothly. Stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting aroma that starts the cookie magic.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This keeps everything evenly distributed, so your cookies bake perfectly every time.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until just combined. Over-mixing can make cookies tough, so be gentle here to keep that tender texture.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips, Pecans, and Caramel Bits
Now for the fun part: fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and soft caramel bits. These add the signature flavors and textures that make this Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe so special.
Step 7: Portion and Sprinkle Sea Salt
Scoop out dough balls about 2 tablespoons each, placing them two inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly flatten each cookie’s top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. That salty kick on top is what sets these cookies apart.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden and centers look set but still soft. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This resting time allows the cookies to finish cooking and develop their yummy texture.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A few extra pecans or a small drizzle of melted caramel over the top can add an impressive finishing touch that makes these cookies look bakery-worthy. Don’t underestimate the power of presentation—it makes eating them even more enjoyable!
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic treat. For grown-up occasions, a cup of rich coffee or a smooth dessert wine complements the sweet and salty flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies with layers of whipped cream and fresh berries for a simple yet stunning dessert parfait. Or sandwich the cookies around some softened caramel ice cream for an indulgent homemade ice cream sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to keep them fresh and chewy. Adding a slice of bread inside the container can even help keep them soft by locking in moisture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the dough balls individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake from frozen by adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm leftover cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds to revive their gooey texture, or pop them in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes for a freshly baked feel. Just be careful not to overheat, or they can dry out.
FAQs
Can I substitute nuts in the Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans add a wonderful flavor and texture, walnuts or almonds work beautifully as alternatives, giving a different but equally delicious crunch.
What’s the best type of caramel to use?
Soft, chewy caramels or caramel bits are ideal because they melt perfectly inside the cookie without hardening or burning. Avoid hard caramel candies as they won’t melt the same way.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just make sure your blend includes xanthan gum or similar to maintain structure and texture.
Why does the recipe call for flaky sea salt on top?
The flaky sea salt contrasts with the sweetness, enhancing the caramel and chocolate flavors while adding a slight crunch. It’s the secret ingredient that takes these cookies to the next level.
How can I ensure my cookies stay chewy?
Don’t overbake! Remove the cookies when the edges are just golden, and the centers still look slightly undercooked. They will firm up as they cool, keeping that perfect chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a cookie that combines salty, sweet, crunchy, and gooey all in one bite, and this Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe does exactly that. Whether you bake a batch for yourself, family, or friends, you’re guaranteed smiles all around. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and create some magic in your kitchen—you’ll thank me after the first bite!
Print
Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies combine rich, buttery cookie dough with gooey caramel bits, crunchy pecans, and semi-sweet chocolate chips, all topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Soft in the center with a slightly crisp edge, these cookies are an indulgent treat ideal for holiday baking or any time you want a gourmet homemade dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Mix-ins and Topping
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup soft caramel bits or chopped soft caramels
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and soft caramel bits, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.
- Shape and Prepare Cookies: Using a scoop or spoon, portion the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Lightly flatten the tops with your hand or a spatula.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the tops of the cookies to add a delicious salty contrast to the sweet components.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookie edges are golden and the centers are just set but still soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they hold their shape.
Notes
- For best texture, use soft, chewy caramels to achieve a melty, gooey caramel center in the cookies.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking will result in thicker, more substantial cookies.
- Store finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
