Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for the ultimate cookie experience, Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies have it all. Imagine biting into a chewy, buttery cookie loaded with rich chocolate chips and crunchy pecans, only to discover a gooey pocket of salted caramel in the middle. Each bite is topped off with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt that makes these cookies totally irresistible. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, these cookies will hit the sweet spot every time!

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Why You’ll Love These Cookies

• Decadent Flavor: A perfect balance of sweet and salty, with the rich chocolate and caramel contrasting the crunchy pecans.
• Chewy Texture: The inside stays soft and gooey thanks to the caramel filling, while the edges get beautifully crispy.
• Easy to Make: These cookies come together quickly, and the recipe is simple enough for beginner bakers to master.

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our cookies, providing structure.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise, giving them a soft texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter helps create a rich and creamy cookie dough.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies crisp up slightly.
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cookies.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the dough together and give it structure.

Mix-ins:

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: The perfect balance between sweet and bitter, these chocolate chips melt into gooey pools of deliciousness.
• 1 cup chopped pecans: Adds crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the caramel and chocolate.

For the Caramel Filling:

• 3/4 cup salted caramel sauce: The star of the show! Creates that irresistible gooey center.

For Finishing:

• Flakey sea salt: A light sprinkle on top gives each cookie an extra burst of flavor and enhances the caramel notes.

How to Make Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 1/4 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set the bowl aside for now.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the 1 cup softened butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup packed brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Vanilla and Eggs

Once the butter and sugars are well-creamed, beat in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add the 2 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps ensure a smooth, cohesive dough.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, beating on low speed until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Pecans

Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the 2 cups chocolate chips and 1 cup chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies and Add Caramel

Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart. Press a small well into the center of each dough ball using your thumb or the back of a spoon, and fill each well with 1 teaspoon of salted caramel sauce. If you like, you can pinch a small bit of dough from the sides to cover the caramel slightly.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and slightly crisp. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.

Step 9: Sprinkle with Sea Salt

As soon as you take the cookies out of the oven, sprinkle them with a little flakey sea salt. This adds a touch of sophistication and really enhances the caramel flavor.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy!

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Or, if you’re like me, enjoy one (or two) while they’re still warm and gooey!

Tips for the Perfect Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best creaming results. Cold butter won’t blend as well, and melted butter can cause the cookies to spread too much.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies and pull them out once the edges are golden brown, even if the centers still look soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, and you’ll get that perfect chewy texture.
• Caramel consistency: If your caramel sauce is too runny, chill it in the fridge for a few minutes before using it to fill the cookies.

Variations You Can Try

• Substitute the nuts: Swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds, or leave them out entirely if you’re not a fan of nuts.
• Dark chocolate: Try using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor.
• Drizzle with extra caramel: For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle a bit more caramel sauce over the cooled cookies before serving.

Storing Your Cookies

• At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The caramel center will stay soft and gooey!
• Freezing the Dough: You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: If you want to freeze the baked cookies, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies take the classic chocolate chip cookie to a whole new level with their rich caramel centers, crunchy pecans, and the perfect touch of flaky sea salt. They’re sure to impress at any gathering or become your new go-to cookie recipe for when you’re craving something a little extra special.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 11 minutes | Total Time: 31 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies | Calories: ~280 kcal per cookie