Description
Salted Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 cup pecan halves
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet.
Cream butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla.
Mix in flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Fold in chocolate chips and pecan halves.
Bake for 12-14 minutes. Sprinkle with extra sea salt after baking.
Description:
Sweet, salty, and utterly delicious! These cookies are sprinkled with sea salt for the perfect flavor balance.
#SaltedPecanCookies
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roughly chop the pecan halves.
2. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sea salt.
5. Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. Fold in Chips & Nuts: Using a spatula, gently fold in the milk chocolate chips and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
7. Bake: Scoop dough into 1.5-inch balls onto the prepared sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden but centers are still soft.
8. Finish: Immediately upon removing from the oven, sprinkle each cookie with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are fantastic served warm with a cold glass of milk. For a gourmet touch, crumble one over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a dessert wine. Package them in a decorative tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
How-to Summary
Cream butter and sugars, then add eggs and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients, fold in chips and pecans. Scoop, bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes, and finish with a sprinkle of sea salt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead? Absolutely. Dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips work beautifully and create a richer, less sweet cookie.
How do I store these cookies to keep them soft? Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Adding a piece of bread to the container can help retain moisture.
Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes. Scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
My cookies spread too much. What happened? This usually means your butter was too warm or melted. Ensure your butter is just softened (cool to the touch) and that your baking sheet is cool before adding new dough batches.
Is the sea salt on top necessary? It’s highly recommended! The flaky salt enhances the chocolate and pecan flavors, creating the signature sweet-and-salaty balance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Melted Butter: This leads to overly flat, greasy cookies. Butter should be softened but still cool.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mix just until the flour disappears. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough cookies.
- Overbaking: Cookies continue to cook on the hot sheet. Remove them when the edges are set but centers look soft and underdone.
- Forgetting to Salt After Baking: The post-bake salt sprinkle is key for flavor and texture. Do it while the cookies are hot.
Conclusion
These Salted Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies are a masterclass in balancing flavors and textures. The simple addition of sea salt and toasted pecans transforms a classic recipe into something truly special. By following this detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently bake a batch of irresistible, bakery-quality cookies that are sure to impress. Happy baking!
