Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

If there’s one cookie that will steal your heart (and probably your sweet tooth), it’s this one! Imagine the perfect cookie—soft, chewy, and studded with melty chocolate chips, crunchy pecans, and an irresistible swirl of salted caramel. The flavors here are next-level, and trust me, they’re even better than you could ever imagine. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, these Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies are about to become your new favorite dessert. I’m telling you, once you bite into one, you’ll be hooked. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Oh my goodness, let me tell you, these Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies are pure magic! If you’re someone who loves a sweet, gooey, and slightly salty treat, trust me, you’re in for a serious treat with this recipe. The rich, buttery caramel, crunchy pecans, and the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chips create a flavor combo that’s just out of this world. Plus, the added hint of sea salt makes each bite even more irresistible. The best part? You can make them at home and feel like a baking superstar.

Here’s why you’ll want to make these cookies:

• Versatile: Whether you’re making them for a cozy evening at home, gifting a jar to a friend, or serving them at a party, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.
• Budget-Friendly: You don’t need any fancy ingredients here—just a handful of pantry staples. It’s all about creating something special with what you already have.
• Quick and Easy: These cookies are so simple to make, even if you’re a baking newbie. You don’t need to be a pro to make a batch of these delicious cookies.
• Customizable: Love more chocolate? Add extra chips. Want more crunch? Pile on the pecans. You can easily make these cookies your own.
• Crowd-Pleasing: These cookies are guaranteed to be a hit! Kids and adults alike will be fighting for the last one. They’ve got that perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness that makes them dangerously addictive.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of these cookies—it’s all in the simple ingredients! Don’t let that fool you, though—each one plays a role in making these cookies a decadent masterpiece.

• Butter: The base of the perfect cookie dough. It adds that rich, creamy texture that we all love.
• Brown Sugar: This gives the cookies that deep, caramel-like flavor. It’s what makes these cookies a little extra special.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness to balance out the rich caramel.
• Eggs: These help bind everything together and give the cookies that soft, chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A must-have in any cookie dough to bring out the depth of flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough. It holds everything together and gives the cookies their perfect structure.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies spread and rise just right.
• Chocolate Chips: Because no cookie is complete without them! They add that melty, gooey goodness.
• Pecans: They add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the caramel.
• Salted Caramel: The showstopper! This gives the cookies that sweet and salty combination that’s totally irresistible.
• Sea Salt: Just a sprinkle on top makes all the difference—trust me!

(Note: Full measurements can be found in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Ready to make some cookie magic? Let’s dive into the steps!

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and have that perfect golden-brown finish.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth. This is the base for your chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. You don’t want to overmix here—stop once everything is incorporated.

4. Fold in the Good Stuff

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, pecans, and salted caramel bits. You’ll want to make sure every bite has a little bit of everything in it!

5. Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out generous portions of dough and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to give them room to spread.

6. Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. Don’t worry if they look a little underdone—they’ll firm up as they cool.

7. Sprinkle with Sea Salt

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top. It’s the perfect salty-sweet finishing touch!

8. Let Them Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, the waiting will be worth it!

9. Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm and enjoy! These cookies are at their absolute best right out of the oven when the chocolate is still melty. But don’t worry, they’ll still be delicious later on!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies (approximately)

• Calories per serving: 220
• Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 95mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 2g
• Vitamin A: 4%
• Calcium: 2%
• Iron: 4%

Preparation Time

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

How to Serve Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are perfect on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, here are a few ideas:

• With a Glass of Milk: There’s nothing like dipping a warm cookie into a cold glass of milk. It’s a classic combo for a reason!
• Ice Cream Sandwich: Make a delicious ice cream sandwich by sandwiching a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream between two warm cookies.
• On a Dessert Platter: Serve these cookies on a platter with some other baked treats—like brownies or blondies—for a sweet dessert spread that’ll wow your guests.

Additional Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just scoop the dough onto baking sheets and bake when you’re ready.
• Storage Tips: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week. If you’re like me, though, they might not last that long!
• Freezing: You can freeze the dough in cookie scoops, so you always have fresh cookies at your fingertips! Just bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the pecans for another nut?
A1: Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the pecans for walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts if you prefer a different flavor.

Q2: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Prepare the dough and refrigerate it, or even freeze it. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready!

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’re like me, though, they might not last that long!

Q4: Can I freeze these cookies?
A4: You sure can! Freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw before serving.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Definitely! Just make sure you have enough space on your baking sheets and keep an eye on them while baking.

Q6: What’s the best way to reheat these cookies?
A6: Warm them up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, and they’ll be just as gooey as when they came out of the oven.

Q7: Are these cookies gluten-free?
A7: You can make them gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. They’ll still be delicious!

Q8: Can I add more caramel?
A8: Yes, you can! You could even swirl a bit of extra caramel into the dough before baking for an extra gooey bite.

Q9: How can I make these cookies even richer?
A9: Add in a little more chocolate or switch out the regular chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a deeper flavor.

Q10: Can I use salted caramel sauce instead of caramel bits?
A10: Definitely! Just drizzle the salted caramel sauce into the dough to create pockets of caramel throughout the cookies.

Conclusion

There you have it—Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies that are as delicious as they are easy to make. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because you deserve a sweet treat, these cookies will bring smiles all around. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and enjoy that perfect balance of caramel, chocolate, and crunch in every bite! Happy baking!

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