Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Name: Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 cup chopped pecans

Highlighted under: Golden Crust & Sweet Cravings

Indulge in the rich flavors of these Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies, a delightful treat that combines nutty brown butter with crunchy pecans and gooey chocolate chips.

Created by

Sandra

Last updated on 2025-12-10T16:14:20.578Z

These cookies bring together the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with the sweetness of chocolate and the crunch of pecans, making them an irresistible treat. Perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of coffee!

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with nutty brown butter
Crunchy pecans add the perfect texture
A delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie

      

The Perfect Blend of Flavors

Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies are a decadent twist on the classic cookie we all know and love. The toasty notes of the brown butter add a depth of flavor that elevates these cookies to gourmet status. When you bite into one, the rich taste of chocolate mingles beautifully with the nuttiness of the pecans, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.

The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar contributes to the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The brown sugar not only provides a hint of molasses flavor but also helps keep the cookies chewy, while the granulated sugar aids in achieving a satisfying crispness around the edges. This dual sugar approach ensures each cookie is a delightful experience from the first bite to the last.

Why Brown Butter?

Brown butter is a culinary game-changer that can transform any baked good. When you cook butter until it's golden and nutty, you enhance its flavor profile significantly. This process, known as beurre noisette, adds a deep, complex taste that pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory dishes. In cookies, it brings a warmth that complements chocolate and nuts beautifully.

Moreover, brown butter contributes to the overall texture of the cookies. Its unique composition helps create a rich, moist crumb while also promoting a slightly crisp edge. This means not only will your cookies taste incredible, but they will also have that perfect bite that cookie lovers cherish.

Tips for the Best Cookies

To achieve the best results with your Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies, ensure that your butter is browned correctly. Watch it closely as it cooks, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The ideal brown butter will have a golden color and a fragrant, nutty aroma. Once browned, allow it to cool slightly before mixing with the sugars to prevent scrambling the egg.

Another key tip is to avoid overmixing the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Mixing just until combined will yield a tender cookie, while overmixing can lead to a tougher texture. Additionally, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavors and improve the cookie’s structure, making for an even more delightful treat.

Ingredients

Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

Instructions

Brown the Butter

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Add Chocolate and Pecans

Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Bake the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.

Let cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Enjoy your cookies warm or store them in an airtight container.

Storing Your Cookies

To keep your Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay delicious for up to a week, though they are often devoured much quicker! If you want to maintain their chewy texture, consider placing a slice of bread in the container; this will help keep the cookies soft.

If you find yourself with leftover cookies, you can freeze them for up to three months. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and when you're ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to revive their freshness.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a casual gathering or celebrating a special event. Serve them alongside a glass of cold milk for a classic pairing, or elevate your dessert table by offering them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm cookies will melt the ice cream slightly, creating a delightful dessert experience.

For a fun twist, consider adding a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce over the cookies before serving. This not only adds an extra layer of flavor but also makes for a beautiful presentation. Guests will love the added indulgence, making your cookies the star of the show.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt to maintain the flavor balance.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop and freeze, then bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What can I substitute for pecans?

You can use walnuts or almonds if you prefer, or omit them entirely for a classic chocolate chip cookie.