Irresistible Pecan Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Heavenly Pecan Chocolate Cookies Recipe for Sweet Joy

Warm, gooey chocolate mingles perfectly with rich pecan chocolate delight cookies that melt in your mouth and spark instant joy.

Nutty pecans create a delectable crunch against smooth chocolate notes.

These irresistible treats deliver pure comfort in every single bite.

Bakers love how simple yet sophisticated these cookies can be.

Each morsel promises a delightful balance of sweetness and texture.

The recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Indulge in this crowd-pleasing dessert that will surely become a cherished favorite at your next gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 190 kcal

Servings: 25

Ingredients for Pecan Chocolate Cookies

For Dry Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and stability to the cookie, choose unbleached flour for better texture.
  • Instant Pudding Mix: Adds incredible moisture and rich flavor, vanilla works best for this recipe.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread evenly, ensure it's fresh for optimal leavening.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity, use fine sea salt for smooth distribution.
For Sweet and Creamy Foundation:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Creates deep caramel undertones and perfect chewy texture, opt for fresh, clump-free sugars.
  • Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich, smooth base, select high-quality butter at room temperature.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, aromatic depth, pure vanilla provides most authentic flavor.
  • Large Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds richness, choose fresh, room-temperature eggs.
For Textural Crunch and Indulgence:
  • Pecan Pieces: Provides nutty crunch and earthy undertones, toast briefly for enhanced flavor.
  • Chocolate Chunks: Offers melty, decadent pockets of sweetness, choose high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate.
  • Electric mixer: Crucial for creaming butter and sugar, mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry ingredients and preparing the dough.
  • Whisk: Helps blend dry ingredients evenly without lumps.
  • Ice cream scoop or tablespoons: Great for creating uniform cookie sizes.
  • Baking sheets: Essential for baking cookies with even heat distribution.
  • Parchment paper or silicone mats: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
  • Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly and maintain crisp edges.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients for perfect results.
  • Airtight container: Useful for chilling and storing cookie dough.

How to Bake Pecan Chocolate Cookies Soft & Gooey

  • Dry Ingredient Fusion

Whip together flour, pudding mix, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl, creating a smooth powder blend that will give these cookies their signature texture.

  • Butter and Sugar Symphony

Cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars using an electric mixer, transforming the ingredients into a light, fluffy cloud of sweetness. Add vanilla for an aromatic boost.

  • Egg Integration

Gently introduce eggs one by one into the creamy mixture, ensuring each is fully embraced before welcoming the next.

  • Dough Harmony

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture, blending on low speed to prevent flour explosion. Gradually increase mixer speed to create a cohesive, smooth dough.

  • Nutty Chocolate Adventure

Tenderly fold chopped pecans and chocolate chunks throughout the dough, distributing delightful nuggets of crunch and richness in every potential bite.

  • Flavor Transformation

Chill the dough in an airtight container for 12 hours, allowing flavors to dance and meld into a more complex taste profile.

  • Baking Magic

Warm the oven to 350°F. Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets, creating generous mounds spaced generously apart. Bake until edges turn golden and centers look slightly soft.

  • Cooling Serenity

Let cookies rest on baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to cooling rack, allowing them to set and develop their perfect, tender texture.

Tips for Extra Flavor and Crunch in Each Bite

  • Toasting Nut Magic: Gently toast pecans in a dry skillet before chopping to enhance their rich, nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile for your cookies.
  • Chocolate Swap Adventure: Experiment with different chocolate varieties like milk, dark, or white chocolate chunks to create unique flavor combinations that match your personal preference.
  • Storage Sweet Spot: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months for spontaneous cookie cravings.
  • Texture Twist Technique: For chewier cookies, reduce baking time by 1-2 minutes, while extending baking time creates a crispier edge with a soft center – perfect for different texture lovers.
  • Make-Ahead Cookie Hack: Prepare cookie dough up to 48 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to develop and making last-minute baking a breeze.

Serving Suggestions for Pecan Chocolate Cookies

  • Dessert Pairing Paradise: Serve these rich, decadent cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a luxurious flavor contrast that melts in your mouth.
  • Coffee Companionship Corner: Pair these cookies with a warm espresso or cappuccino to enhance the chocolate and pecan notes, creating a delightful afternoon treat that elevates your coffee break.
  • Gifting Gourmet Delight: Package these cookies in a cute mason jar or decorative tin with a ribbon, making them a perfect homemade gift for friends, family, or holiday gatherings that shows your personal touch and culinary love.
  • Rustic Dessert Platter: Arrange the cookies on a wooden board with fresh berries, a small dish of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant and inviting dessert presentation that looks as amazing as it tastes.

Keep Your Cookies Fresh with Smart Storage

  • Cookie Shelf Life Strategy: Store these delectable treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them soft and deliciously fresh.
  • Freezing Flavor Lockdown: Wrap individual cookie batches in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen cookies stay magnificent for 2-3 months, ready to enjoy whenever a sweet craving strikes.
  • Dough Preparation Hack: Make cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. This technique enhances flavor complexity and saves precious kitchen time during busy weeks.
  • Temperature Tender Care: Keep cookies away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Cool, dry spaces maintain their perfect texture and prevent chocolate from melting or becoming too soft.
Print
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Irresistible Pecan Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Irresistible Pecan Chocolate Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 25 1x

Description

Pecan chocolate delight cookies blend rich Belgian chocolate with buttery pecans in a classic Southern-style treat. Sweet crumbles melt deliciously, inviting you to savor each delightful, nutty bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (226 grams) butter, softened
  • 2 cups (226 grams) pecan halves, roughly chopped
  • 2 cups (340 grams) chocolate chunks
  • 2 ⅓ cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup (165 grams) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 package (3.4 oz or 96 grams) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Whisk flour, pudding mix, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until uniformly blended, eliminating any lumps.
  2. Creaming: Utilize an electric mixer to transform butter, sugars, and vanilla into a silky, pale mixture. Beat vigorously for 2-3 minutes, scraping bowl edges to ensure consistent texture.
  3. Egg Integration: Blend eggs individually into the creamed mixture, ensuring smooth incorporation between each addition.
  4. Dough Formation: Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture using low mixer speed, then incrementally increase to create a cohesive dough. Mix for one minute to achieve optimal consistency.
  5. Ingredient Infusion: Gently fold chopped pecans and chocolate chunks throughout the dough, guaranteeing even flavor distribution.
  6. Chilling: Refrigerate dough in an airtight container for 12 hours, allowing flavors to develop and texture to firm.
  7. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for effortless cookie removal.
  8. Portioning and Placement: Scoop uniform dough mounds using a medium ice cream scoop, positioning them two inches apart on prepared sheets.
  9. Baking and Cooling: Bake 14-16 minutes until edges turn golden and centers remain slightly soft. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to stabilize and achieve perfect texture.

Notes

  • Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerating the dough for 12 hours intensifies flavor complexity and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
  • Master Mixing Technique: Beat butter and sugars thoroughly until pale and creamy to ensure maximum air incorporation, resulting in lighter, more tender cookies.
  • Space Cookies Wisely: Maintain two-inch gaps between cookie dough mounds to allow proper heat circulation and prevent merging during baking.
  • Perfect Doneness Indicator: Golden-edged cookies with slightly soft centers signal ideal baking point; remove from oven promptly to prevent over-browning and maintain chewy texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 25
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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