Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Are you ready to elevate your cookie game? Look no further! These Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies are your new secret weapon for baking bliss. Perfect for busy weekday afternoons, weekend gatherings, or simply when you need a sweet pick-me-up, this recipe is an absolute must-try. Trust me, once you start baking these gooey delights, your kitchen will become the favorite hangout spot for friends and family!

Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Imagine biting into a warm cookie that marries rich chocolate with crunchy pecans and a swirl of luscious caramel. Sounds dreamy, right? Each cookie boasts a delightful texture—from that satisfying crisp edge to the chewy center. Topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, these cookies hit all the right notes of sweet and salty. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up, so even if you’re juggling work, kids, or life’s little surprises, you’ll have these ready in no time!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these heavenly cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Cookie-Making Steps

1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this will keep your cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze!
2. Cream Your Butters and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This stage is crucial because it incorporates air into the butter, giving your cookies that lovely texture.
3. Mix in Egg and Vanilla: Now, it’s time to beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined—because who likes chunky batter, right?
4. Whisk Together Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Combining your dry ingredients helps distribute the leavening agent evenly—because nobody wants a flat cookie!
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. No one likes overmixing—trust me, we want those cookies tender, not tough!
6. Fold in Delights: Fold in the chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and caramel sauce gently. Picture yourself folding in a blanket around a chilly child—nice and easy does it; you want to keep that luscious caramel intact!
7. Scoop and Sprinkle: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Give them some space to spread out, and don’t forget to sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top for that gourmet touch.
8. Bake to Perfection: Pop the trays in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. If you’re like me and love that slightly underbaked center, don’t hesitate to pull them out a minute early. You can always count on the residual heat to do the magic.
9. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Trust me, the anticipation is worth it!

Baking Tips for Success

• For an even fancier touch, try drizzling some extra caramel sauce over the cooled cookies before serving.
• Don’t worry if your sauce looks a little lumpy when mixed in—it’s all part of the magic! A few streaks of caramel add character!
• If pecans aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them out for walnuts or even leave them out entirely. The cookies will still be delicious!

A Sweet Memory

I’ll never forget the first time I baked these Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies. I was trying to impress my family around the holidays, and let’s just say, I got my grandma’s secret recipe for caramel sauce a bit too late! But that didn’t stop me—what I came up with became a family favorite. My kids still request these cookies for any celebration!

FAQs

Can I substitute the caramel sauce?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make homemade caramel sauce, or simply use a chocolate drizzle for a different vibe.

How can I store leftovers?
These cookies store wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If they last that long, that is!

What if I want a smaller batch?
No problem! You can easily halve the recipe or freeze some of the dough on parchment-lined baking sheets for later baking. Just scoop and freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag once solid.

With these Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies in your baking arsenal, you’re ready to tackle any sweet tooth that comes your way! They’re perfect for gifting, enjoying at home, or impressing your next guests. Happy baking, fellow cookie lovers!

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