Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Decadent Treat
Introduction:
Elevate your cookie game with these Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies. With a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors, these cookies feature gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and rich chocolate chips. Finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, they’re an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup caramel bits (or chopped soft caramels)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
Preparation Tips:
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for 30 minutes prevents spreading and enhances flavor.
- Toast the Pecans: Lightly toast the pecans for a richer, nuttier flavor.
- Caramel Substitutes: Use caramel-filled chocolate chips or drizzle caramel sauce over baked cookies if caramel bits aren’t available.
- Measure Accurately: Use leveled measuring cups for precise flour measurements to avoid dense cookies.
- Customize Mix-Ins: Swap pecans for walnuts or add white chocolate chips for variety.
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 4: Fold in the Mix-Ins
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips, caramel bits, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Scoop the Dough
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look slightly underbaked.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Description:
These Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies deliver a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The chewy caramel bits and melty chocolate pair perfectly with the crunch of toasted pecans, while the sprinkle of sea salt adds a sophisticated finish. Perfect for holiday baking, gifting, or everyday indulgence.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 17g
- Sodium: 120mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on portion sizes and ingredients used.
Recommendations:
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freeze Dough: Roll dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for the ultimate treat.
- Holiday Touch: Add festive sprinkles or drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for special occasions.
- Gift Idea: Package these cookies in decorative tins or jars for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Conclusion:
Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. Their rich, indulgent flavors and perfect texture make them a favorite for cookie lovers everywhere. Try them today and savor the magic of sweet, salty, and nutty goodness!