Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

When it comes to the ultimate comfort food, few things can rival the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen. These Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies are an irresistible combination of nutty brown butter, rich chocolate, and crunchy pecans. With their chewy texture and rich flavor, they are bound to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into why these cookies are absolute crowd-pleasers and how you can whip them up effortlessly.

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

There’s something about the combination of brown butter and chocolate that evokes pure joy. The nutty, caramelized flavor of brown butter elevates these cookies to a whole new level, creating a depth that you simply can’t achieve with regular butter. The addition of pecans adds a delightful crunch, while the bittersweet chocolate chips offer just the right amount of sweetness. This medley of flavors and textures makes these cookies perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.

What We’re Using

To make these scrumptious Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed (dark can also be used)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
• Coarse sea salt, to sprinkle on top

Setup & Equipment

Before you start baking, ensure you have the following items ready:

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Spatula

Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies, Made Easy

Now, let’s get to the fun part—baking! Follow these steps to create your Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Step 1: Brown the Butter

In a medium saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix the Sugars and Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Pour in the browned butter, along with the vanilla extract and molasses. Mix until well combined. Add the egg and egg yolk, mixing again until smooth.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate and Pecans

Gently fold in the bittersweet chocolate chips and both types of chopped pecans. The mixture will be thick and deliciously chunky.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your cookies!

Step 6: Preheat and Prepare

While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt on top of each cookie before baking.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

No-Store Runs Needed

One of the best parts about making Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies is that you likely have all the ingredients on hand. Here’s a quick checklist to ensure you’re ready to bake:

• Salted butter? Check!
• Brown sugar and granulated sugar? Check!
• Pecans? Check!
• Chocolate chips? Check!
• Basic pantry staples like flour and baking soda? Check!

With this cookie recipe, you won’t need to make any last-minute store runs!

Things That Go Wrong

Even the best bakers encounter hiccups. Here are some common issues and how to avoid them:

• Over-baking: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake, and trust your instincts. They should look slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out.
• Cookies spreading too much: Ensure your dough is chilled before baking. This helps cookies maintain their shape.
• Too dry or crumbly: Make sure to measure your flour accurately. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
• Not enough flavor: Using fresh ingredients, particularly vanilla and butter, makes a huge difference in flavor.

Best Ways to Store

To keep your Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh, follow these storage tips:

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or bake at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore their freshness.

Your Top Questions

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch of salt to the dough to compensate for the lack of salt in the butter.

Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?

Absolutely! Walnuts or macadamia nuts work wonderfully as substitutes and add their unique flavors to the cookies.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The edges should be golden brown, while the centers will look slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after removing them from the oven.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw and chill the dough before baking.

Explore More

If you love these Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies, you might also enjoy these delicious treats:

• Chocolate Fudge Cookie Sandwiches
• Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies
• Brownie Batter Cookie Sandwiches

The Takeaway

Baking Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies is an enjoyable and rewarding experience that results in delectable treats perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). With the rich flavors of brown butter, the satisfying crunch of pecans, and the indulgent chocolate chips, these cookies are bound to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Gather your ingredients and enjoy the delightful process of baking these irresistible cookies!