Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in the rich flavors of brown butter, crunchy pecans, and gooey chocolate chips with these irresistible cookies.

Olivia Bennett

Created by

Olivia Bennett

Last updated on 2025-12-09T22:13:49.531Z

These Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic recipe. The nutty aroma of brown butter combined with the crunch of pecans and the sweetness of chocolate creates a cookie that is simply unforgettable.

Why You'll Love These Cookies

  • Rich nutty flavor from brown butter
  • Crunchy pecans add a delightful texture
  • Perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate
  • Ideal for sharing or indulging yourself

The Magic of Brown Butter

Brown butter, or beurre noisette, is a culinary treasure that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary. As the butter is melted and cooked, it develops a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of baked goods. This unique flavor profile is what makes these Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies stand out. The caramelization of the milk solids in the butter adds depth and complexity, making each bite a delightful experience.

Incorporating brown butter into cookies not only elevates the flavor but also adds a lovely golden hue. This color is a visual cue that hints at the deliciousness to come. Whether you are an experienced baker or just starting, mastering the technique of browning butter can unlock a new world of flavors in your kitchen.

Pecans: The Perfect Crunch

Pecans are more than just a tasty addition; they bring a satisfying crunch that complements the chewy texture of the cookie. Their rich, buttery flavor pairs perfectly with the sweetness of chocolate chips and the nuttiness of brown butter. When baked, pecans develop a deeper flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile of the cookies.

These nuts are also packed with nutrients, including healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, making them a guilt-free indulgence. By incorporating chopped pecans into your cookie dough, you not only add texture but also a hint of wholesome goodness, making these cookies a treat you can feel good about sharing.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for various occasions. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering, celebrating a birthday, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress. Their rich flavors and delightful textures make them a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike.

Additionally, these cookies are super easy to make and can be prepared in under an hour. They also store well, so you can bake a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. Perfect for sharing with friends or as a sweet treat for yourself, these cookies are a must-have in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your cookies:

Ingredients

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

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your cookies:

Brown the Butter

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.

Add Chocolate and Pecans

Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

Cool and Enjoy

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

Serve these cookies warm for an extra treat!

Storage Tips

To keep your Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their chewy texture and prevent them from becoming stale. If you want to prolong their shelf life, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to a week.

For longer storage, these cookies freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly baked taste.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate your presentation by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm cookies with cold ice cream creates a delightful dessert experience that is hard to resist. Drizzling some chocolate sauce or caramel over the top adds an extra touch of indulgence.

For a fun twist, try pairing these cookies with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. The rich flavors of brown butter and pecans complement the bitterness of coffee, while milk provides a classic pairing that enhances the sweetness of the cookies. Either way, they make for a perfect treat any time of day.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze it for up to 3 months and bake as needed.

→ What can I do if my cookies spread too much?

Make sure your butter isn't too warm and chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Delight in the rich flavors of brown butter, crunchy pecans, and gooey chocolate chips with these irresistible cookies.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration12 minutes
Overall Time27 minutes

Created by: Olivia Bennett

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 24 cookies

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter
  2. 1 cup brown sugar
  3. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  4. 2 large eggs
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  6. 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  7. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  8. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  9. 1 cup chocolate chips
  10. 1 cup chopped pecans

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 03

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 04

Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 05

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

Step 06

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

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g