Name: Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookie – Chocolate, Soft-Baked, Gourmet Drop Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled; ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed; ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 ¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup (120g) semi-sweet chocolate chips; ½ cup (60g) pecans, chopped and lightly toasted

Who can resist the allure of a soft, gooey, chocolate-packed cookie loaded with buttery pecans? These Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookie - Chocolate, Soft-Baked, Gourmet Drop Cookies are the cookie of your dreams: thick, chewy, and brimming with melty chocolate chunks in every bite.

What sets this recipe apart is its perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor and crunchy, toasty pecans, all wrapped up in a plush, bakery-style cookie that stays soft for days. It's wonderfully easy to whip up - no fancy equipment or chilling time needed.

These cookies are perfect for everything from last-minute bake sales to cozy nights in with a glass of milk. They also make a gourmet gift for friends or family, and trust me, everyone will ask for your recipe!

Inspired by my favorite bakery's gooey chocolate chip pecan cookies, this is a treat you'll want to bake on repeat.

Freshly baked chocolate chip pecan cookies stacked together

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Bakery-Style Softness: Each cookie is thick, plush, and irresistibly soft-baked.
Irresistible Chocolate Flavor: Packed with gooey chocolate chips in every bite.
Buttery Pecans: Toasted pecans add a delicious crunch and nutty depth.
Quick and Easy: No mixer or chilling required; ready in under 30 minutes!

Key Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookie - Chocolate, Soft-Baked, Gourmet Drop Cookies

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

These are the star of the show, giving each cookie pockets of gooey, melty chocolate. Use high-quality chips or chop a chocolate bar for rustic chunks. You could swap in dark or milk chocolate chips for a different flavor profile, or try a mix for variety.

Pecans

Pecans lend a sweet, buttery crunch that pairs perfectly with melty chocolate. For best flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the dough. Walnuts are a good substitute if you don't have pecans, or omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar is key for achieving that signature chewy, moist texture and a touch of caramel-like depth in every bite. Light or dark brown sugar both work well; dark will give a slightly richer flavor. If needed, you can use all granulated sugar, but the cookies will be less soft and flavorful.

Unsalted Butter

Melted unsalted butter makes these cookies extra tender and easy to mix up by hand. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt slightly. Melted butter also helps create those deliciously dense, chewy centers.

All-Purpose Flour

This classic pantry staple gives the cookies their structure while keeping them soft. For gluten-free cookies, try a 1-for-1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may be slightly different.

Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookie - Chocolate, Soft-Baked, Gourmet Drop Cookies cooking process

Instructions for Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookie - Chocolate, Soft-Baked, Gourmet Drop Cookies

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silpat mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking just until combined. This creates a rich, flavorful base for soft cookies.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing dry ingredients separately ensures the leaveners are evenly distributed for a perfect rise.

Make the Dough

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir with a spatula or wooden spoon just until a few flour streaks remain. Fold in the chocolate chips and toasted pecans until evenly distributed. Be careful not to over-mix - this keeps the cookies tender.

Scoop and Bake

Scoop generous tablespoons of dough (about 2 tablespoons per cookie) onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked. This gives you that dreamy soft-baked texture.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm for ultimate gooeyness or let them cool for the perfect soft-chewy bite.

Recipe Variations

Make It Gluten-Free

Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-for-1 gluten-free flour blend. The cookies may be a bit softer, but still deliciously chewy and chocolatey.

Nut-Free Option

Leave out the pecans or replace them with an equal amount of chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or white chocolate chunks for a nut-free treat that's just as decadent.

Brown Butter Boost

For deeper, nutty flavor, brown your butter before mixing the dough. Let it cool slightly and use in place of the melted butter for a gourmet twist.

Add a Flavor Twist

Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder with the dry ingredients to enhance the chocolate flavor, or sprinkle the tops of the cookies with flaky sea salt just before baking for a sweet-salty finish.

Double Chocolate Version

Replace ¼ cup of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder and use dark chocolate chips for an ultra-chocolatey, fudgy cookie.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee for the ultimate comfort snack. For a fun dessert, sandwich a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream between two cookies. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an elegant touch.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days - they stay soft and chewy! For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies or dough balls for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookie - Chocolate, Soft-Baked, Gourmet Drop Cookies (FAQ)

Q: Can I use different nuts or leave them out?

A: Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts work well, or simply omit the nuts for a classic soft-baked chocolate chip cookie.

Q: Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

A: No chilling required! This recipe is designed for quick prep and bake, so you can have fresh cookies in under 30 minutes.

Q: How do I keep the cookies soft?

A: Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help retain moisture. Don't overbake - pull them from the oven when the centers look slightly underdone.

Q: Can I make bigger or smaller cookies?

A: Yes, just adjust baking time: bake smaller cookies for a minute or two less and larger cookies for a minute or two more.

These Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookie - Chocolate, Soft-Baked, Gourmet Drop Cookies are pure comfort in every bite. Soft, chocolate-studded, and packed with buttery pecans, they're destined to become your new go-to cookie recipe. Give them a try and let me know what you think by leaving a comment or rating below - happy baking!