Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Introduction

These Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies quickly became a family favorite in our house. The combination of gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and melty chocolate chips creates a heavenly bite that everyone loves. My kids can’t get enough of these cookies, and they often ask me to bake them for special occasions or just to have a sweet treat on hand. The addition of sea salt on top really balances the sweetness and gives the cookies a sophisticated flavor. I was blown away by how easy it is to make these, and the result is absolutely delicious!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• Sea salt flakes (for sprinkling)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cream the Butter and Sugars:

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.

Add the Eggs:

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Mix 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.

Fold in Chocolate Chips and Pecans:

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and caramel sauce, ensuring an even distribution.

Scoop the Dough:

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Sprinkle with Sea Salt:

Before baking, sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt flakes on top of each cookie.

Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: 200 calories

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 10-12 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve warm with a glass of milk for the perfect treat.
• Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy snack.
• Serve at holiday gatherings or family celebrations for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
• Enjoy on their own as an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Pack in lunchboxes for a sweet midday snack.

Additional Tips

1. Use room temperature butter for the best texture when creaming it with the sugars.
2. Don’t overmix the dough to ensure soft, chewy cookies. Mix until just combined.
3. Toast the pecans before adding them for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
4. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes if you prefer a thicker cookie.
5. Adjust the salt to your taste by adding more or less sea salt on top before baking.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Variations: Use milk chocolate or white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a different flavor profile.
• Nut Options: Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts for a unique twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Caramel Twist: Add chunks of caramel candy for an extra gooey caramel experience.
• Vegan: Replace butter with a dairy-free alternative and use flax eggs for a vegan-friendly version.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the cookies for a decadent touch.
• Pair with a fruit salad for a balanced dessert option.
• Serve on a platter alongside other homemade treats for a festive display.
• Add to a dessert box or jar as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing dough: Scoop the cookie dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the bake time.
• Storing baked cookies: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.

FAQ

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
   Yes, you can, but be sure to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
2. Can I make these cookies without pecans?
   Absolutely! You can omit the pecans or replace them with any other nut or just add more chocolate chips.
3. How can I make the cookies chewier?
   To achieve a chewier texture, use more brown sugar and less granulated sugar. You can also chill the dough before baking.
4. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
   Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works just fine for this recipe.
5. Can I make these cookies smaller or larger?
   Yes, just adjust the baking time accordingly. Smaller cookies will need less time, and larger cookies will need more.
6. How do I know when the cookies are done?
   The cookies should be golden around the edges, but the center should still be soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
7. Can I add more caramel sauce?
   You can, but be cautious not to add too much or the cookies may become too sticky to bake properly.
8. Are these cookies soft or crispy?
   These cookies are soft and chewy on the inside with a slight crispness around the edges.
9. Can I freeze baked cookies?
   Yes, you can freeze baked cookies. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
10. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time, chill it, and bake the cookies later. You can also freeze the dough.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a balance of sweet and salty flavors. The rich caramel and crunchy pecans, combined with chocolate chips and a sprinkle of sea salt, make these cookies irresistible. Whether you bake them for a special occasion or as a family treat, they’re sure to become a favorite. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy a batch of these delicious cookies in no time!

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