Caramel Pecan Cookies Recipe for Sweet, Crunchy Treats

There’s something irresistibly delightful about the combination of rich caramel and crunchy pecans nestled inside a soft, chewy cookie. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack, a festive gathering, or simply craving a sweet treat, these caramel pecan cookies deliver on flavor and texture.

The buttery dough provides a perfect base, while the gooey caramel and toasted pecans add layers of indulgence that make every bite memorable. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make, requiring basic pantry staples and a bit of love.

If you love classic cookies with a gourmet twist, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Ready to impress your family and friends with these delightful treats? Let’s dive into the details and get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This caramel pecan cookies recipe is a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and buttery goodness. The pecans offer a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, chewy cookie dough.

The caramel bits melt as the cookies bake, creating little pockets of luscious sweetness in every bite.

Unlike many cookie recipes that can be overly complicated or require hard-to-find ingredients, this one uses simple and accessible components. It’s straightforward enough for beginners but yields bakery-quality cookies that will impress even the most discerning sweet tooth.

Additionally, these cookies have a wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth and comfort, making them perfect for chilly days or holiday celebrations. You can easily customize them to your taste or dietary preference, making them versatile and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (165g) packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans, toasted
• 1 cup (160g) caramel bits or chopped soft caramel candies

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cooling racks
• Oven

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
2. Toast the pecans: Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Let them cool completely.
3. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
6. Mix dry ingredients into wet: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
7. Fold in pecans and caramel bits: Gently stir in the toasted pecans and caramel bits, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
8. Shape the cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
9. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
10. Cool on racks: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For perfectly chewy cookies, avoid overbaking. Pull them out when the edges turn golden but the centers are still soft.

Caramel options: If caramel bits aren’t available, you can chop soft caramel candies into small pieces or even use caramel sauce drizzled on top after baking.

Nut swaps: Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or macadamia nuts for a different crunch and flavor profile.

Salted caramel twist: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on the cookies right after baking to enhance the caramel flavor and add a delicious sweet-salty contrast.

Vegan adaptation: Use vegan butter and egg substitutes like flax eggs to make these cookies vegan-friendly.

For more creative baking ideas, check out our Clementine Bakery Vegan Recipes for Delicious Treats or try out some Best Vegan Holiday Cookie Recipe for Festive Treats.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These caramel pecan cookies are perfect on their own with a cup of tea or coffee. For a decadent dessert, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

They also pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a creamy latte.

For holiday gifting, stack them in decorative tins or wrap in parchment paper tied with rustic twine. They make a thoughtful homemade gift for friends, family, or coworkers.

If you want to explore more snack and dessert ideas, be sure to visit our posts on Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious and Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy.

Conclusion

Creating the perfect caramel pecan cookie is a delightful experience that combines simple ingredients with a little kitchen magic. These cookies emerge from the oven golden, soft, and bursting with flavor, offering a wonderful contrast between chewy dough, crunchy pecans, and sweet caramel.

They’re a fantastic treat for any occasion, whether you’re baking for your family, a party, or just to satisfy your sweet cravings.

With easy-to-follow steps and accessible ingredients, this recipe invites bakers of all skill levels to enjoy homemade goodness. Plus, the versatility of the recipe means you can tweak it to match your tastes or dietary needs.

So grab your mixing bowl and start baking—you’re just a batch away from cookie bliss!

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