Dessert

Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

ByElla Hart April 9, 2026April 9, 2026

Introduction

These Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. With rich caramel bits, crunchy pecans, and melty chocolate chips, they offer a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors in every bite. They’re sure to become a new favorite for cookie lovers everywhere.

The image shows multiple cookies with a thick and soft texture, golden brown in color, and scattered chocolate chips and pecan nut pieces embedded on top. The cookies are placed on a metal cooling rack with a grid pattern, and more cookies are stacked in the background, showing a rough, crumbly edge. The surface below the rack has a white marbled texture. The close-up focus highlights the uneven surfaces of the chocolate, nuts, and cookie dough. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 bag (11 ounces) milk chocolate morsels
1 ¼ cup caramel bits or whole caramels, chopped
1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar for about 2 minutes until fully blended and smooth.
Step 3: Add the eggs and pure vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
Step 4: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and baking soda to the wet ingredients. Beat just until the dough is fully combined without overmixing.
Step 5: Gently fold in the milk chocolate morsels, caramel bits, and chopped pecans using a spatula.
Step 6: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop cookie dough balls onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For an extra touch, press a few chocolate chips on top of each cookie dough ball.
Step 7: Bake the cookies for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned but the centers are still soft.
Step 8: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for several minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a richer caramel flavor, try using soft caramel chews instead of bits and gently fold them into the dough.
Substitute pecans with walnuts or hazelnuts if preferred for a different nutty flavor.
To make the cookies extra gooey, slightly underbake them and allow to finish cooking on the hot baking sheet.
Add a pinch of cinnamon for a subtle warm spice that complements the caramel and chocolate.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for a soft, melty treat.