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

Highlighted under: Dessert Lover’s Collection

Indulge in the rich, nutty flavor of these Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies, a delightful twist on a classic treat.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-10T17:18:21.076Z

These Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect blend of flavors and textures. The nutty aroma of brown butter combined with crunchy pecans and melty chocolate chips creates a cookie that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with toasted pecans
Nutty aroma from the brown butter that elevates the cookie experience
Perfect texture - crispy edges with a chewy center

      

The Magic of Brown Butter

Brown butter is a game-changer in baking. When you cook butter until it turns golden brown, you unlock a rich, nutty flavor that enhances any recipe. This process caramelizes the milk solids, creating a depth of flavor that regular melted butter simply can't match. In these Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies, the brown butter takes center stage, providing a warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen and entices everyone around.

Not only does brown butter add a unique taste, but it also contributes to the cookies' perfect texture. The slight toasting of the butter creates a deeper, more complex flavor profile that complements the sweetness of the chocolate chips and the crunch of the pecans. It's an essential step that transforms a simple cookie into an extraordinary treat.

Pecans: The Perfect Pairing

Pecans are more than just a crunchy addition to these cookies; they bring their own rich, buttery flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the sweetness of the chocolate. Toasted pecans add a delightful crunch and enhance the overall texture of the cookies. As they bake, their natural oils release, creating a wonderful aroma that makes it hard to resist sneaking a taste before they’ve cooled.

Incorporating pecans not only elevates the cookies but also provides a source of healthy fats, making these treats a bit more nutritious. They are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, allowing you to enjoy a delicious cookie while also reaping some health benefits. It’s a win-win situation!

Baking Tips for Perfection

To ensure your Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few baking tips. First, use room temperature ingredients when mixing wet and dry components. This helps the ingredients blend more evenly, resulting in a consistent dough. Also, be sure to measure your flour correctly; spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.

Another tip is to chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. This simple step can result in cookies that are thick and chewy with the perfect texture. Lastly, keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just golden brown for that ideal crispy-chewy balance.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your cookies:

For the Cookies

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

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start baking.

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake the perfect cookies:

Brown the Butter

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook it until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

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

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Everything

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips.

Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoons of cookie dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious cookies!

Serve warm or store in an airtight container for later.

Storing Your Cookies

Once your Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies have cooled, you’ll want to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay soft for up to a week. If you’ve made a large batch, consider freezing some for later enjoyment. Simply layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag, and they can last for up to three months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste. This way, you can indulge in your delicious cookies anytime the craving strikes!

Serving Suggestions

These Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your cookie experience by pairing them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. The creamy milk complements the rich chocolate, while coffee enhances the nutty flavors of the cookies. For a fun twist, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Consider using these cookies as a base for creating cookie sandwiches. Spread a layer of your favorite frosting or nut butter between two cookies for a delicious treat that’s perfect for sharing. With their rich flavors and delightful texture, these cookies are sure to impress your friends and family at any gathering.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different nuts?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or even skip the nuts altogether if preferred.

→ How do I store the cookies?

Store the cookies 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 it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a container.

→ What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking.