These Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect indulgence for anyone who loves a chewy, gooey, and crunchy treat. Filled with rich chocolate chips, crunchy pecans, and soft caramel, they offer the ideal balance of sweetness and texture in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something delicious, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies combine the best of both worlds: the richness of chocolate chips, the crunch of pecans, and the sweet, gooey caramel that melts into every bite. The dough is soft, and when baked, the cookies come out perfectly chewy with a golden-brown exterior. The added caramel pieces elevate these cookies to another level, creating a delicious contrast in texture. Whether you’re enjoying them as a dessert or with a cup of coffee, these cookies are a must-try! Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (100g) sugar
½ cup (100g) brown sugar (or use white sugar)
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups (190g) flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ cup (90g) chocolate chips
½ cup (60g) chopped pecans
6-8 soft caramels, chopped

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Mix in the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Add the Mix-ins: Fold in the chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and chopped caramels. Be gentle to ensure everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are set in the center. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy: Serve and enjoy these chewy, caramel-filled cookies!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20-22 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies

Storage/Reheating

Store these Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts, depending on your preference.

Can I use caramel sauce instead of soft caramels?

While caramel sauce will not work the same way as soft caramels, you could drizzle a little on top of the cookies after baking if you prefer. It will create a more liquid caramel flavor.

Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help the cookies hold together.

How can I make these cookies chewier?

To make the cookies even chewier, try using more brown sugar or adding a tablespoon of honey or corn syrup to the dough. This will increase the moisture and softness.

Can I add more chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more chocolate chips to make these cookies even more indulgent. You can also mix in different types of chocolate, such as white or dark chocolate chips.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as usual, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

You can substitute margarine for butter, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different. Butter provides a richer flavor and helps create a better texture in the cookies.

Can I use sugar substitutes?

If you want to reduce the sugar content, you can use sugar substitutes like stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or erythritol. However, this may alter the texture and flavor of the cookies.

Can I add more caramel?

Yes, you can increase the amount of caramel if you want your cookies to be extra gooey and sweet. Just make sure to chop the caramels into smaller pieces so they blend better into the dough.

Are these cookies easy to transport?

Yes, these cookies are sturdy and easy to transport. Just make sure they are completely cooled before packing them into a container to avoid sticking.

Conclusion

Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. The combination of rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and gooey caramel makes each bite irresistible. With their chewy texture and sweet, nutty flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or indulging in a treat for yourself. Simple to make and full of flavor, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire!