Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies – A Perfectly Gooey Delight

Get ready to indulge in these scrumptious Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies, combining the rich flavors of dark chocolate, buttery pecans, and gooey caramel all packed into one heavenly bite. Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven or cooled with that perfect chewy center, these cookies are sure to become a favorite!

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are a timeless treat, but the addition of rich caramel and crunchy pecans elevates them to a whole new level. The sweetness of caramel, the slightly bitter notes of dark chocolate, and the nutty pecans come together for a perfect balance of flavors. These cookies are ideal for any occasion, from afternoon snacks to bake sales or even a cozy evening treat.

Why You’ll Love These Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

What sets these cookies apart from your typical chocolate chip cookies is the combination of textures and flavors. The buttery cookie base is complemented by melted caramel centers, crunchy pecans, and rich dark chocolate. Every bite offers something new, from the soft and chewy center to the crisp edges. They’re indulgent, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 18 Cookies):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 18g
• Fiber: 1g

These cookies are perfect for when you want something sweet but also packed with flavor. You can enjoy them as-is, or serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special dessert.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

While these cookies are wonderful on their own, they’re even better with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee. Serve them warm for an ooey-gooey caramel experience, or let them cool for a chewier texture. They also pair well with vanilla or salted caramel ice cream, making them an excellent addition to any dessert spread.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store these cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, they freeze well—just place them in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

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Fun Fact: The Science Behind Chewy Cookies

The key to achieving a soft, chewy texture in cookies lies in the balance of ingredients. A higher ratio of brown sugar to white sugar, as well as using room-temperature butter, helps retain moisture during baking. Adding an extra egg yolk can also help with creating a more tender, chewy cookie. This recipe uses these techniques to deliver a deliciously soft and chewy cookie with every bite.

Cooking Tips

• Caramel Tip: When working with caramel, make sure it’s fully wrapped in the dough to prevent it from leaking out during baking.
• Perfect Pecan Pieces: To get evenly chopped pecans, place them in a ziplock bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin.
• Chocolate Options: You can experiment with different chocolate varieties, such as semi-sweet or milk chocolate, depending on your preference.

Optional Variations

• Sea Salt Caramel Cookies: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking to balance out the sweetness and add a salty crunch.
• Nut-Free Option: If you’re not a fan of pecans, feel free to substitute with other nuts like walnuts or leave them out altogether for a simple caramel chocolate chip cookie.
• Double Chocolate: For an even richer flavor, use chocolate caramel candies in place of regular caramels.

Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

• ½ cup butter, room temperature
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 ounces high-quality dark chocolate bars, chopped
• ½ cup pecans, chopped
• 18 pieces caramel candies (soft caramels work best)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
2. • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
4. • In a large bowl, combine the room-temperature butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream together on low speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
5. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
6. • Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
7. Combine Dry Ingredients:
8. • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
9. Fold in Pecans and Chocolate:
10. • Gently stir in the chopped chocolate and pecans with a wooden spoon or spatula.
11. Prepare the Dough Balls:
12. • Using a 2-ounce ice cream scoop or tablespoon, scoop the cookie dough and place 1 caramel in the center of each scoop. Wrap the dough around the caramel to form a ball, ensuring the caramel is fully enclosed. Repeat with the remaining dough.
13. Bake the Cookies:
14. • Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are golden on top and the edges are set.
15. Cool and Serve:
16. • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm for a gooey caramel center or cooled for a chewy bite.

Final Thoughts

These Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies are a luxurious treat that combines all your favorite flavors in one delicious bite. With their gooey caramel center, crunchy pecans, and melty chocolate, they’re a cookie lover's dream come true. Make them for your next family gathering or bake a batch just for yourself—you deserve it!