Description
These chewy browned butter pecan cookies offer a complex, nutty flavor with a dense, soft texture. They are simple to make, impressive enough for guests, and can be customized with chocolate chips or made gluten-free.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup (100g) pecans, toasted and chopped
- 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- Brown the butter: Place unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the foam subsides and milk solids turn golden brown and smell nutty (5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk cooled browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar vigorously for 2 minutes until glossy. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- Make the dough: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Fold in toasted pecans and chocolate chips.
- Chill the dough (Optional): Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor and better texture.
- Scoop and bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough balls (1.5 tablespoons each) onto sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-14 minutes, rotating halfway. Edges should be golden, centers soft.
- Cool and top: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Toast pecans before chopping for better flavor. Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies. Ensure browned butter is cooled before adding eggs to prevent cooking them. For gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain chewiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: brown butter cookies, pecan cookies, chewy cookies, chocolate chip cookies, baking, dessert, gluten-free option