Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that combines the warmth of homemade chocolate chip cookies with the indulgent flavors of gooey caramel and the crunch of toasted pecans, then look no further than these Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies. With the perfect balance of sweet and salty, these cookies are a treat that everyone will love. The soft centers and slightly crisp edges create a satisfying texture, while the rich caramel oozes out with every bite. The addition of pecans not only brings a delightful crunch but also adds a savory element that pairs beautifully with the other flavors.

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These cookies are an upgrade on the classic chocolate chip variety, making them a fantastic option for special occasions or even just a cozy afternoon treat. Whether you enjoy them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee, they’ll become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire. Here’s how to make them!

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup (71g) chopped unsalted or salted pecans
• 16 wrapped caramels, cut into 4 or 5 pieces each
• Sea salt for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Wet Ingredients Begin by beating the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together in a large bowl using a handheld mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Continue mixing until the butter-sugar mixture becomes fluffy and light in color. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. The cornstarch is the secret ingredient that helps keep the cookies soft, while the baking soda helps them spread and rise. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tougher cookie.
3. Add the Chocolate Chips and Pecans Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans. These ingredients will be the stars of the cookie, providing both richness and crunch. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. Chill the Dough Once everything is well mixed, cover the dough tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It’s crucial to chill the dough for at least one hour to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. You can chill the dough for up to 3-4 days if needed, so feel free to prepare the dough in advance.
5. Shape the Cookies After the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Use your hands or a medium cookie scoop to roll the dough into balls, about 1.5 tablespoons per cookie. Place them 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Add Caramel and Sea Salt Before baking, press a few pieces of caramel into the top of each dough ball. These caramels will melt and create gooey pockets of sweetness in every bite. Finish by lightly sprinkling the tops with sea salt to balance the sweetness with a savory kick.
7. Bake the Cookies Bake the cookies for 11-12 minutes, or until the edges are barely golden brown. The centers should look soft, and they will firm up as they cool. Don’t overbake, as these cookies are meant to stay soft in the middle.
8. Cool and Enjoy Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the caramel to set and the flavors to meld together.

Tips for Success

• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much. The dough will firm up and hold its shape better during baking.
• Pecans: You can use salted, unsalted, roasted, or raw pecans depending on your preference. Each option brings a unique flavor profile to the cookie.
• Freezing Instructions: If you want to prepare the cookies in advance, you can freeze both the cookie dough and the baked cookies. To freeze the dough, simply roll it into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just place the frozen dough balls on the baking sheet and bake for an extra minute or so.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This allows the flavors to develop, making the cookies even more delicious when baked.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Flour: If you need to make these cookies gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Butter: You can replace the unsalted butter with salted butter, but be sure to adjust the amount of sea salt added to the dough to avoid making the cookies too salty.
• Nuts: If you don’t like pecans or are allergic, you can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of your favorite nuts.
• Caramel: Instead of wrapped caramels, you can use caramel bits or homemade caramel sauce for a smoother, more spreadable texture.

Serving Suggestions

These Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them in several fun ways:

• With Ice Cream: For a decadent treat, serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream on top.
• As a Gift: Packaged in a pretty tin or jar, these cookies make an excellent gift for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions.
• With Coffee or Milk: Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for a perfect afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

From the first bite, these Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to steal your heart. The combination of semi-sweet chocolate, caramel, and pecans creates a perfect balance of flavors. The soft, chewy texture with pockets of caramel and the gentle crunch of pecans will have you coming back for more. These cookies are great for sharing or enjoying by yourself, and they are perfect for any occasion—from casual gatherings to holiday celebrations.

Baking these cookies is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with the comforting aromas of caramel and chocolate, making it the perfect way to treat yourself or others. With easy-to-follow steps and a few simple ingredients, these cookies will quickly become a new favorite in your baking routine. Happy baking!