There’s something about a warm, freshly baked cookie that brings instant comfort and when that cookie is filled with melting chocolate chips and buttery, toasted pecans, it’s impossible to resist. Chocolate chip pecan cookies strike the perfect balance between chewy, sweet, and nutty. Whether enjoyed with coffee, milk, or simply on their own, these cookies are a nostalgic treat reimagined with gourmet care at gatetasty.
At gatetasty, under the creative touch of Chef Lucas Benetti, we’ve spent time perfecting the ultimate mini pancake recipe. It’s simple, quick, and guaranteed to impress whether stacked, skewered, or swimming in syrup.
Why Pecans Make This Cookie Better
While chocolate chip cookies are beloved in any form, adding pecans brings an entirely new dimension of texture and flavor.
What Pecans Bring to the Table:
- Rich, buttery crunch that complements soft cookie dough
- Toasted aroma that enhances the caramel notes of brown sugar
- Natural oils that add moisture and depth
- Nutritional boost pecans are high in antioxidants and healthy fats
Compared to walnuts, pecans are sweeter and less bitter, making them a better match for semi sweet or dark chocolate.
Chef Lucas Benetti’s Cookie Philosophy
According to Chef Lucas Benetti, a great cookie should have contrast soft interiors, crisp edges, deep flavor, and a satisfying texture.
“Cookies should feel indulgent, but made with care,” he says. “It’s about layering flavor not just sweetness, but toasted nuts, browned butter, and real vanilla.”
At gatetasty, his approach includes toasting the pecans first, chilling the dough, and using both brown and white sugar for perfect caramelization and chew.
Gatetasty’s Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookie Method
We keep it straightforward in our kitchen focusing on ingredient quality and technique. Here’s the core of how we make chocolate chip pecan cookies that turn heads every time.
Our Method:
- Toast the Pecans
Spread them on a baking sheet at 350°F for 6–8 minutes to deepen flavor. - Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Softened butter and eggs mix better and yield an even texture. - Mix Gently
Cream butter and sugars well, but once flour is added, mix just until combined. - Chill the Dough
Rest the dough for at least 30 minutes longer if you have time. It improves structure and prevents spreading. - Scoop and Bake
Use a cookie scoop for even portions. Bake at 350°F until edges are golden and centers are slightly underdone (they’ll finish setting on the tray).
Full Recipe: Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
This recipe yields 20–24 cookies, depending on scoop size.
Ingredients
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (softened) |
| Brown sugar | ¾ cup |
| White sugar | ¼ cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| All purpose flour | 2 ¼ cups |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Semi sweet chocolate chips | 1 cup |
| Chopped pecans (toasted) | ¾ cup |
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking trays with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add eggs and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips and pecans.
- Chill dough for 30–60 minutes.
- Scoop into 1.5 inch balls and space 2 inches apart on tray.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden.
- Let cool on tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Baking Tips for Texture & Flavor
Want your cookies soft, crispy, or somewhere in between? Here are expert tips from gatetasty and Chef Lucas:
| Texture Goal | What to Adjust |
|---|---|
| Chewy & moist | Use more brown sugar, slightly underbake |
| Crisp edges | Flatten dough slightly before baking |
| Extra rich flavor | Brown the butter before mixing |
| Bigger bites | Use a larger scoop and extend bake by 1–2 min |
Avoid overmixing once the flour is added this develops gluten and toughens the dough.
Ingredient Substitution Table
Need dietary swaps or ingredient tweaks? Here are reliable alternatives:
| Ingredient | Swap Option | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Butter | Coconut oil (solid) | Slightly different flavor |
| Eggs | Flax eggs (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water) | Vegan version |
| White flour | 1:1 gluten free baking flour | Gluten free, texture may vary |
| Pecans | Walnuts or almonds | Slightly different flavor/texture |
| Chocolate chips | Dark chocolate chunks | Richer, more intense chocolate hit |
Storing & Freezing Your Cookies
These cookies store well and freeze beautifully ideal for prepping ahead.
Storage Tips
| Storage Method | Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Room temp (airtight) | 4–5 days | Store with slice of bread to retain moisture |
| Refrigerator | Up to 7 days | Keeps firmer texture |
| Freezer (baked) | Up to 2 months | Thaw at room temp |
| Freezer (raw dough) | Up to 3 months | Freeze in balls, bake straight from frozen |
FAQs About Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
1. Can you put pecans in chocolate chip cookies?
Yes, pecans are an excellent addition to chocolate chip cookies. They add a buttery crunch and a subtle sweetness that complements the richness of the chocolate. At gatetasty, we love using toasted pecans for added depth and aroma. They also bring a satisfying texture that contrasts beautifully with soft cookie centers.
2. Should I toast pecans before adding to cookie dough?
Toasting pecans before mixing them into the dough is highly recommended. It enhances their nutty flavor and gives them a crisp texture that stands out in the cookie. Simply toast them in the oven at 350°F for 6–8 minutes, then cool before chopping and folding into your dough.
3. How do I make my cookies chewy instead of crunchy?
For chewy cookies, use a higher ratio of brown sugar to white sugar, and avoid overbaking. Removing cookies from the oven when the centers still look slightly underdone will result in a chewier texture once cooled. You can also try using room temperature butter, an extra egg yolk, or a touch of honey or cornstarch to retain moisture.
4. What are Snoop Dogg cookies?
“Snoop Dogg cookies” typically refer to cookie recipes featured in Snoop Dogg’s cookbook From Crook to Cook, which includes fun, flavorful spins on classic recipes. His cookie styles often feature extra rich ingredients like dark chocolate, spice blends, and sometimes even unconventional twists like cannabis (where legally allowed). These aren’t directly related to chocolate chip pecan cookies but showcase his signature flavor forward cooking style.
Conclusion
If you’re craving cookies with the perfect blend of melty chocolate, toasted nuts, and buttery richness, this chocolate chip pecan cookie recipe is exactly what you need. With tips from Chef Lucas Benetti and smart prep methods from the gatetasty kitchen, this timeless treat gets a professional touch and a whole lot of flavor.
Whether you bake a batch for yourself, share with friends, or prep a dozen to freeze for later, these cookies will always hit the spot.
Explore more tried and true cookie recipes at gatetasty.com where comfort food meets culinary care.
