Are you craving a warm, gooey cookie that offers the perfect balance of sweet and nutty? Then look no further! This Pecan and Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe is your answer. It's a delightful twist on a classic, combining the irresistible chewiness of chocolate chip cookies with the satisfying crunch of pecans. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, yet impressive enough for seasoned pros. Get ready to enjoy a truly delicious homemade treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can also achieve this with a good amount of elbow grease and a sturdy whisk.
Step 2: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips and Pecans
Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans. Gently fold them into the cookie dough until evenly distributed. Resist the urge to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Delicious Cookies!
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is properly softened; this will help create a smooth and creamy dough. Don't melt the butter!
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
- Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies. Start checking for doneness around 9 minutes.
Variations:
- White Chocolate Pecans: Substitute white chocolate chips for semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Nuts Galore: Add other nuts like walnuts or macadamia nuts along with the pecans.
- Spiced Pecans: Toss the pecans with cinnamon or nutmeg before adding them to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: Approximately 12-15g
- Sugar: Approximately 15-20g
This pecan and chocolate chip cookie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a perfect treat for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to holiday celebrations. Enjoy the deliciousness of homemade cookies, made with love!