If you are a cookie lover who craves a perfect blend of sweet, salty, crunchy, and gooey, this Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine biting into a warm, tender cookie packed with rich semi-sweet chocolate chips and toasted pecans for crunch, laced with luscious caramel, and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes that make every flavor pop. These cookies are a delightful balance of textures and tastes that will have you reaching for one after another, whether it’s for a cozy afternoon treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these cookies lies in their simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays its role perfectly—whether it’s the creamy butter that gives a tender crumb, the brown sugar for caramel notes, or the pecans adding crunch and depth.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides the rich, creamy base and tender texture without adding extra salt.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor that enhances the caramel tones.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Helps create a slight crispness on the cookie edges for contrast.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Elevates overall flavor with a warm, aromatic hint.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the dough together and contribute to the cookie’s softness.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The structure of the cookie, giving it the perfect chewiness.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light texture.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances every other flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Offers melty pockets of rich chocolate in every bite.
- Pecans (1 cup, chopped): Adds a toasty crunch that pairs wonderfully with caramel.
- Caramel sauce (1/2 cup): Brings gooey sweetness that makes these cookies truly special.
- Sea salt flakes (for sprinkling): The final finishing touch that highlights all the sweet and nutty flavors.
How to Make Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, setting the stage for perfect results.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
Next, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies a tender, crumbly texture. Add the vanilla extract and mix well to distribute its warm, inviting aroma.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. This gradual addition helps create a smooth and cohesive cookie dough without curdling.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This evenly blends the leavening agent and seasoning, ensuring your cookies rise just right and have balanced flavor. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix to keep your cookies tender.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips, Pecans, and Caramel
Time to add the stars of the show! Gently fold in the chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and caramel sauce. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so each cookie bursts with flavor in every bite.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies to spread and bake perfectly without sticking to each other.
Step 7: Add Sea Salt Flakes
Before popping the cookies into the oven, sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt flakes on top of each dough ball. This final touch enhances the candy-like caramel and chocolate, creating an addictive sweet-salty contrast.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden and the centers are still soft to the touch. Once out of the oven, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time allows the cookies to set up perfectly while remaining delightfully chewy.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on top just before serving to refresh that perfect salty-sweet harmony. Or, drizzle a little extra warm caramel sauce for a more decadent experience. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty contrast and subtle sweetness.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. For an extra indulgent treat, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of salted caramel gelato to echo the cookie’s rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not cut the cookies in half and make mini ice cream sandwiches? Or layer them in a clear glass jar alongside whipped cream and caramel sauce for an irresistible dessert parfait. Presenting the cookies on a rustic wooden board with pecans and chocolate chips scattered around adds a cozy, inviting vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, so you can enjoy their homemade goodness anytime.
Freezing
If you want to savor these cookies for longer, freeze them in a sealed freezer bag or container. They freeze beautifully and can last up to three months without losing their delightful texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat your cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. You can also microwave them briefly for 10-15 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but be cautious not to overheat and dry them out.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work wonderfully and offer a similar crunch and flavor that pairs well with caramel and chocolate chips. Just make sure to chop them roughly for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Keep in mind that the texture and taste will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I skip the caramel sauce?
You can, but the caramel sauce is the key to that signature gooey sweetness that sets this recipe apart. If you omit it, consider adding extra brown sugar or a touch of honey to keep the cookies moist and flavorful.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Also, avoid adding too much liquid or overmixing the dough, as this can cause excessive spreading.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder. The texture might differ slightly, but the flavor will still shine through beautifully.
Final Thoughts
These Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe are a heartfelt treat that anyone can whip up with ease, yet they feel special enough to impress friends and family. Every bite delivers a perfect mix of texture and flavor that will make them a permanent fixture in your baking repertoire. Give this recipe a try, and watch how quickly these cookies disappear from your kitchen!
Print
Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies are a deliciously rich treat combining the classic flavors of chocolate chips, toasted pecans, and gooey caramel sauce with a perfect sprinkle of sea salt flakes for a balanced sweet and salty bite. Soft-centered with golden edges, they are perfect for any cookie lover.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- Sea salt flakes (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the 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, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, then add the vanilla extract and mix well to combine all wet flavors.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to create a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and caramel sauce evenly throughout the cookie dough for full flavor in every bite.
- Form Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Add Sea Salt: Sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt flakes on top of each cookie dough ball just before baking to balance sweetness with a salty crunch.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden while the centers remain soft for the perfect chewy texture.
- Cool Down: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving and enjoying.
Notes
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake them and let the centers remain a bit gooey when removing from the oven.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Chopped toasted pecans can add extra crunch and flavor if desired.
- Caramel sauce can be homemade or store-bought; choose a quality caramel for best taste.
- If you prefer less salt, reduce or omit the sea salt flakes on top.
