Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Highlighted under: Fresh Baking Recipes
Indulge in the irresistible combination of nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and gooey chocolate chips with these decadent cookies.
These Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The rich, nutty flavor of brown butter elevates the taste, while crunchy pecans add texture and depth. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Rich brown butter flavor that enhances every bite
- Crunchy pecans for a delightful texture
- Gooey chocolate chips that melt in your mouth
- Perfect for sharing or as a sweet treat for yourself
The Magic of Brown Butter
Brown butter is a culinary game-changer. By cooking butter until it reaches a golden hue, you unlock a complex, nutty flavor that elevates baked goods. This technique transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, making your cookies not just a treat, but an experience. The rich and toasty notes of brown butter blend seamlessly with the sweetness of sugar, creating a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible.
In these cookies, the brown butter serves as the star ingredient, enhancing every bite with its unique taste. It's easy to make and requires just a little patience as you watch the butter bubble and turn from yellow to a deep brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen is enough to make anyone eager to indulge in what’s to come.
Pecans: The Perfect Crunch
When it comes to cookies, texture is key, and that’s where pecans shine. Their crunchy exterior and buttery interior add a delightful contrast to the chewy, gooey chocolate chips. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch, making these cookies not only delicious but also interesting to eat. Pecans are packed with nutrients, offering healthy fats that contribute to a balanced diet, so you can feel a little better about indulging.
Incorporating chopped pecans into the dough not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the overall aesthetic of the cookies. Their rich color and texture make each cookie visually appealing. Plus, the combination of chocolate and pecans is a classic pairing that never fails to impress.
Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies
To achieve the perfect cookie, start by ensuring your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth dough that bakes evenly. When dropping the dough onto the baking sheet, leave enough space between each mound; cookies spread during baking, and you want them to have room to expand without merging into one another.
Another tip is to underbake slightly for a chewy center. The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven. Aim for a golden edge with a soft, slightly undercooked center for that perfect texture. Allow them to cool for a few minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Ingredients
For the cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
Instructions
Brown the Butter
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Mix the Sugars and Eggs
In a large bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Add Chocolate Chips and Pecans
Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Enjoy your freshly baked cookies with a glass of milk!
Storing Your Cookies
To keep your Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to a week, making them perfect for snacking throughout the week or sharing with friends. If you want to maintain their freshness for a longer period, consider freezing them.
To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that fresh-baked warmth.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the warm cookie with cold ice cream is a treat that’s hard to resist. Drizzling some chocolate sauce or caramel over the top adds an extra layer of indulgence.
For a fun twist, consider pairing these cookies with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. The flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the sweet, nutty notes of the cookies. You could even host a cookie-tasting party where guests can try different pairings, creating a memorable experience for everyone.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans if desired.
→ How should I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
→ What can I use instead of brown sugar?
You can use white sugar or coconut sugar, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Indulge in the irresistible combination of nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and gooey chocolate chips with these decadent cookies.
Created by: Anna
Recipe Type: Fresh Baking Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
How-To Steps
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g