Imagine biting into a warm, freshly baked cookie, with a harmonious blend of flavors that surprise and delight your taste buds. Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies offer just that experience — a delightful fusion of sweet, salty, nutty, and chocolaty goodness all in one bite. Each cookie combines the rich, buttery goodness of traditional chocolate chip cookies with crunchy pecans and gooey, salty caramel, delivering layers of flavor and texture in every bite.
A Perfect Treat for Any Occasion
These cookies are more than just a treat; they are a gourmet delight fit for any occasion, from a cozy night in with a cup of tea to a festive gathering where you wish to impress your guests with your baking prowess. They are versatile and can be dressed up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert or enjoyed as-is with a cup of coffee or tea. Whatever your preference, Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who takes a bite.
Ingredients about Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies
List of Ingredients with Measurements
- 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (71g) chopped unsalted or salted pecans
- 16 wrapped caramels, cut into 4 or 5 pieces each
- Sea salt for sprinkling
Optional Ingredient Substitutions
- Butter: You can substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Sugar: Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener.
- Egg: A flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) can substitute the regular egg.
- Pecans: Walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pecans if preferred.
How to Make Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies Directions
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together. Continue beating until the mixture turns fluffy and light in color. This is crucial as it influences the texture of your cookies. Gently mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 2: Preparing the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Make sure they are well combined. Slowly incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients on low speed to ensure homogeneous dough without overmixing.
Step 3: Adding the Chocolate Chips and Pecans
Once the dough is ready, fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans. Ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Cover the dough with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chilling process is essential to prevent the cookies from overspreading when baked.
Step 4: Shaping and Baking the Cookies
After chilling, let the dough rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes to make it easier to handle. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Shape the dough into balls, approximately 1.5 tablespoons each, and place them on the baking sheets, ensuring an ample gap between them for spreading. Press a few caramel pieces into the top of each cookie dough ball, then sprinkle with sea salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 11-12 minutes until the edges are barely golden brown. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Best Ways to Serve Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serve these cookies slightly warm for the best experience, as the chocolate chips and caramel will be melted and gooey. They might be perfect straight out of the oven, but giving them a few moments to cool can allow flavors to meld better.
Serving Suggestions or Pairings
- With Ice Cream: Top with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- With Coffee or Tea: They pair wonderfully with a robust coffee or a lightly sweetened tea, enhancing their flavors.
- As Sandwiches: Use two cookies as a base for sandwiching Nutella, or a scoop of ice cream for a tasty sandwich treat.
How to Store Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Proper Storage Methods
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Allow them to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation from making them soggy.
Tips for Reheating or Freezing
- Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies later, heat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Freezing: Both the cookie dough and baked cookies can be frozen. For dough, shape into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them into a zip-top bag and store in the freezer. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes if needed. For baked cookies, simply seal in an airtight container and freeze.
Tips to Make Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Dough: This can lead to dense cookies. Mix just until the dry ingredients are combined.
- Overbaking: The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after removal from the oven. Take them out while the centers are still soft.
Helpful Tips for Better Results
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip this step! It helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances their flavor.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for flour, and pack brown sugar firmly.
- Roll Uniform Balls: Ensure evenly sized cookies for uniform baking.
Variation of Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Suggested Variations or Twists on the Recipe
- Add a dash of espresso powder for a mocha twist.
- Mix in toffee bits for an extra layer of caramelized flavor.
- Incorporate white chocolate chips for added sweetness.
Adjustments for Dietary Preferences
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Use plant-based butter, an egg substitute, and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Reduced Sugar: Experiment with sugar substitutes like erythritol or stevia, adjusting to taste.
FAQs
What Can I Do if the Dish Isn’t Turning Out Right?
If your cookies turn out flat, ensure your butter isn’t too soft and that the dough was chilled properly. For dry cookies, check your oven temperature accuracy and baking time.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, the dough can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days before baking. It can also be frozen for longer storage, as detailed in Part 5.
What Can I Substitute for Ingredients?
- Use almond or cashew nuts in place of pecans.
- Dairy-free chocolate chips or caramels work similarly.
- If you’re unable to access caramels, making homemade caramel chunks or using caramel sauce tweaks can still offer a similar flavor note.
