Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my all-time favorite treat: Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies! Seriously, these cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, and the chewy texture is just heavenly. Every time I bake them, the aroma fills my kitchen and draws everyone in, and believe me, once you take that first bite, you won’t be able to stop at just one! The combination of rich salted caramel and crunchy pecans creates such a delightful contrast, and it’s honestly one of the easiest recipes to whip up. I love making these for gatherings or just as a special afternoon snack. You’re going to adore how simple yet satisfying they are—trust me on this one!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup salted caramel chips
Make sure to have everything at room temperature for that perfect blend! Trust me, it makes a difference in the texture.
How to Prepare Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out with that perfect golden brown color. Trust me, nothing beats the smell of cookies baking in a warm oven!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. I usually use a hand mixer for this, but a sturdy wooden spoon works just fine too! Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. The goal here is to incorporate air into the batter, which gives your cookies that delightful chewy texture!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Now, it’s time to add in the eggs and the vanilla extract. Mix them in one at a time, making sure everything is well combined after each addition. You want to see a smooth, cohesive mixture—this is crucial because it helps bind the ingredients together. Plus, that vanilla scent is just divine!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is key—mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures the baking soda is evenly distributed. If you skip this, you might end up with a weirdly salty or unevenly risen cookie. So, give it a good whisk, and let’s keep things consistent!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients. I like to do this in three parts, mixing gently after each addition. You want to stop mixing just when the flour is incorporated—overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely don’t want that! The dough should be thick and slightly sticky, but not too dry.
Step 6: Fold in Pecans and Caramel Chips
Now comes the fun part—folding in the chopped pecans and salted caramel chips! Use a spatula to gently mix them into the dough, making sure they’re evenly distributed. This step is vital because you want every bite of your cookie to have that sweet and salty goodness!
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they’ll spread a bit while baking. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown around the edges. You’ll want to keep an eye on them—nobody likes overbaked cookies!
Step 8: Cooling Time
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set up a bit before you transfer them to a wire rack. Don’t rush this step! Allowing them to cool properly helps maintain that chewy texture we’re all after. Once they’re on the rack, just try to resist the urge to eat them right away—give them a few more minutes to cool down completely!
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture; it helps everything blend seamlessly.
- Don’t skip the chilling time if you want thicker cookies—refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking for less spread.
- Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; they can go from perfect to overdone in just a minute or two!
- For a gourmet touch, sprinkle a little coarse sea salt on top just before baking to enhance that salted caramel flavor.
- Feel free to experiment with mix-ins—try chocolate chips or dried fruit for a fun twist!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional data for these delectable Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on ingredient brands and serving sizes, but this should give you a good idea:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
This estimate is a great guide to enjoy your cookies mindfully, especially if you’re counting calories or just curious about what’s in your treats. Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Can I store my Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies?
Absolutely! Just keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to make them last longer, you can refrigerate them, but I recommend letting them come back to room temperature before diving in again. The flavors really come alive that way!
Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
Of course! If you’re not a fan of pecans or just want to switch things up, try using walnuts or even almonds. Just chop them up roughly and fold them into the dough. They’ll add a lovely crunch!
What if I can’t find salted caramel chips?
No worries! You can easily use regular caramel chips and sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt into the dough. It’ll still give you that sweet and salty combo we love!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking. This makes scooping and baking so much easier!
What variations can I try with this recipe?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can mix in chocolate chips for a decadent twist, or even add dried cranberries for a fruity touch. If you want a more holiday feel, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. Get creative!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet salted caramel and crunchy pecans creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal fuss, you can whip these up in no time, even on a busy day!
- Chewy Texture: These cookies come out perfectly chewy, with just the right amount of softness in every bite.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in, a gathering with friends, or a special treat for yourself, these cookies fit right in.
- Customizable: Feel free to play around with mix-ins or toppings to make them your own—there’s always room for creativity!
- Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are always a hit! Bring them to parties or family gatherings, and watch them disappear.
Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies: 7 Ways to Indulge Today
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious salted caramel pecan cookies with a chewy texture and rich flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup salted caramel chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in pecans and salted caramel chips.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle sea salt on top before baking.
- Can substitute walnuts for pecans if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies