Complete Guide To Make Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Published: 4 Feb 2026

If you love cookies that are soft, chewy, and loaded with flavor, these salted caramel pecan chocolate chip cookies are perfect for you. Imagine bites of buttery dough, gooey caramel, crunchy toasted pecans, and pockets of melting chocolate, all finished with a touch of sea salt. This recipe takes classic chocolate chip cookies to a new level, making them rich, indulgent, and perfect for home baking.

salted caramel pecan chocolate chip cookies

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a cozy night in, or just because, these cookies will impress. Follow this detailed guide and you’ll have bakery-quality cookies right in your kitchen. Don’t forget to check the homepage for more tasty dessert recipes you can make at home.

What Makes These Cookies Special

These cookies are all about balance and texture. The soft, buttery cookie dough is sweet but not overpowering. Caramel bits add a gooey, chewy texture, while chocolate chips bring richness. Toasted pecans give a nutty crunch, and a sprinkle of sea salt at the end enhances all the flavors.

Compared to a regular chocolate chip cookie, these have an elevated flavor profile that makes each bite exciting. They are sweet, salty, nutty, and chocolatey — everything you want in a dessert cookie.

Key Ingredients You Will Need

The ingredients for these cookies are simple, but each one plays an important role in creating the perfect texture and flavor.

  • Unsalted butter — soft or lightly browned for extra depth of flavor
  • Brown sugar — adds moisture and rich caramel notes
  • Granulated sugar — balances sweetness and helps with structure
  • Eggs — for richness and structure
  • Vanilla extract — enhances the flavor of caramel and chocolate
  • All-purpose flour — the base for the dough
  • Baking soda — helps the cookies rise and keeps them soft
  • Optional cornstarch — makes cookies tender and chewy
  • Salt — balances sweetness

Salted Caramel & Pecan Mix-ins

  • Caramel bits or chopped caramel pieces — these melt during baking, creating gooey pockets
  • Chopped pecans — toasted for added crunch and flavor
  • Sea salt — sprinkled on top after baking for a perfect salty-sweet contrast

Optional Add-ins

  • Toffee bits — for extra sweet crunch
  • Extra chocolate chips or chunks — for deeper chocolate flavor
  • Caramel drizzle after baking — for presentation and extra gooeyness

Equipment You Will Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Wire rack for cooling
  • Measuring cups and spoons

These tools are common in most kitchens. Using parchment or a silicone mat ensures cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

Step-by-Step Recipe Method

This is the most important part — follow carefully for best results.

6 Step Recipe Formula

Step 1 — Prep Your Ingredients

  • Take butter out of the fridge ahead of time to soften. If you like, lightly brown the butter in a pan for a richer, nutty flavor.
  • Chop caramel bits into smaller pieces if needed.
  • Chop and toast pecans in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until fragrant. Toasting enhances their flavor and crunch.
  • Measure and arrange all ingredients for a smooth workflow.
  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. This incorporates air for a lighter texture.
  2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The mixture should look creamy and shiny.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, optional cornstarch, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough. The dough should be soft, thick, and slightly sticky.

Step 3 — Add Flavor Mix-ins

  • Gently fold in chocolate chips and toasted pecans.
  • Press caramel bits into the dough or mix them in gently. This ensures caramel melts evenly without burning.
  • Cover the dough and chill in the fridge for 30–60 minutes.
  • Chilling slows spreading, giving thicker cookies with a soft center. It also intensifies flavors.

Step 5 — Shape and Bake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Scoop dough into balls about 1–2 tablespoons each. Leave 2 inches between cookies to allow spreading.
  4. Bake for 9–12 minutes. Edges should be lightly golden while centers still look soft. Cookies continue to set as they cool.
  5. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with sea salt.

Step 6 — Cool and Serve

  • Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
  • Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Optional: drizzle with extra caramel or sprinkle with extra pecans.

Serve warm for gooey caramel and melted chocolate, or let cool slightly for a firmer bite.

Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Measure flour properly — spoon flour into the cup and level it off to avoid dry cookies.
  • Use quality caramel bits — they melt better and add real gooeyness.
  • Do not overbake — soft, chewy centers are the goal.
  • Toast pecans — enhances flavor and crunch.
  • Adjust sea salt to taste — a little goes a long way.

Flavor Variations

  • Extra caramel drizzles after baking for a richer flavor.
  • Add toffee bits for crunchier cookies.
  • Mix dark and milk chocolate for a chocolatey twist.
  • Swap pecans for walnuts if desired.
  • Make smaller cookies for bite-sized treats or larger cookies for indulgent desserts.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair cookies with milk, coffee, or tea for a classic combination.
  • Serve with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
  • Great for holiday gifting or sharing at parties.

These cookies are versatile and can fit any occasion, from cozy nights to festive gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I chill the dough before baking?
Chilling prevents cookies from spreading too much and helps them stay thick and chewy.

Can I bake these cookies without pecans?
Yes, you can omit pecans or replace them with walnuts or chocolate chunks.

What if I don’t have caramel bits?
You can chop soft caramel squares into small pieces or drizzle caramel sauce over baked cookies.

How do I store cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to baking time.

Conclusion

These salted caramel pecan chocolate chip cookies are a perfect balance of sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy. Each bite delivers buttery dough, rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and toasty pecans.

Whether you bake them for a cozy night in, a treat for friends, or a special occasion, these cookies will impress everyone. Try this recipe at home, savor each bite, and explore the homepage for more tasty desserts and easy-to-make recipes.

These cookies are proof that a little caramel, chocolate, pecans, and sea salt can turn simple ingredients into extraordinary treats. 🍪✨

Sophia Pervaiz Avatar
Sophia Pervaiz

Passionate about creating delicious, approachable recipes and sharing insights on our furry companions, Sophia Pervaiz blends their love for food and cats into every post. When not experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, they enjoy spending time with their cats, learning more about feline health, and creating content that caters to both food lovers and pet enthusiasts. With a knack for making everything feel personal and relatable, Sophia Pervaiz brings a warm, friendly voice to both the culinary and animal worlds. Whether you're here for a tasty new dish or some helpful cat tips, there's always something for everyone!

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