Chocolate Pecan Delight Cookies Recipe

The Best Chocolate Pecan Delight Cookies Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Decadent chocolate pecan delight cookies promise an irresistible journey through rich, nutty landscapes of sweet indulgence.

Unexpected flavor combinations marry perfectly inside these delectable treats.

Crisp edges give way to soft, chewy centers that melt delightfully on your tongue.

Pecans add a sophisticated crunch that elevates each bite beyond ordinary dessert expectations.

Butter and chocolate intertwine, creating a luxurious texture that whispers comfort and celebration.

Warm kitchen aromas will beckon friends and loved ones to gather around, eager to savor these delightful morsels.

Baking these cookies becomes an intimate experience of culinary creativity and pure enjoyment.

Explore this recipe and let your senses dance with deliciousness.

FAQs for Chocolate Pecan Cookies

  • Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough rolls for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking.

  • How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for firm edges and a slightly soft center. The cookies should not look wet or raw, but also shouldn’t be completely hard. 8-10 minutes is typically perfect.

  • Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or almonds work great. Just make sure they’re finely chopped to coat the dough rolls evenly.

  • How long will these cookies stay fresh?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For best flavor and texture, keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Chocolate Cookies With a Pecan Crunch

  • These cookies burst with deep cocoa flavor, delivering an intense chocolate experience that chocolate lovers will absolutely adore.
  • The chopped pecans provide a satisfying crunch and nutty warmth, creating an amazing textural contrast against the soft, tender cookie base.
  • Preparing the dough rolls in advance and refrigerating allows busy bakers to have fresh cookies ready quickly, making them perfect for spontaneous entertaining or last-minute dessert cravings.
  • The melted chocolate drizzle adds a professional bakery-style touch, transforming simple cookies into an impressive treat that looks as amazing as it tastes.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the cookie dough.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and dark color to the cookies.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Softened butter creates a rich, tender texture in the cookies.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie browning and crisp edges.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to cookie structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with a warm, sweet note.
Topping and Decoration Ingredients:
  • Pecans, Chopped: Adds nutty crunch and texture to the cookie exterior.
  • Chocolate, Melted: Creates a smooth, glossy drizzle for a decadent finish. Dark or semi-sweet chocolate works best for a balanced sweetness.

How to Bake and Cool Perfectly

Step 1: Whip Up The Creamy Base

Grab your mixing bowl and electric mixer. Blend butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like a sweet cloud. Mix on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until everything looks smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Marry The Dry Ingredients

Sift flour and cocoa powder together. Slowly add this magical powder mixture into your creamy base. Stir gently until everything combines into a rich, chocolate-colored dough. No lumps allowed!

Step 3: Pecan Party Time

Roll the dough into two long cylinders, each about 9 inches long. Roll these dough logs generously in chopped pecans, ensuring every inch gets nutty coverage.

Step 4: Chill And Rest

Wrap each pecan-coated dough roll in plastic wrap. Slide them into the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours. This resting time helps develop deep flavors and makes slicing easier.

Step 5: Slice And Prepare

Remove chilled dough rolls. Slice each into rounds approximately 1/3 inch thick. Place these cookie rounds onto an ungreased cookie sheet, leaving small spaces between them.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slide the cookie sheet into the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Cookies should look firm around edges but slightly soft in the center.

Step 7: Chocolate Drizzle Finale

Once cookies cool completely, melt chocolate. Pour melted chocolate into a zip-top bag. Snip a tiny corner and create beautiful chocolate zigzags across each cookie.

Enjoy your decadent Chocolate Pecan Delight Cookies!

Tips for Nutty, Chocolatey Results

  • Chill with Precision: Refrigerate dough rolls for exactly 4 hours to achieve the perfect slice-and-bake texture without crumbling.
  • Coat Evenly: Roll dough logs in pecans carefully, pressing gently to ensure maximum nut coverage and consistent crunch in every bite.
  • Slice Strategically: Use a sharp knife and smooth, steady motions when cutting cookie slices to maintain uniform thickness and clean edges.
  • Drizzle Like a Pro: Transfer melted chocolate to a zip-top bag with a tiny corner snip for professional-looking chocolate decorations that look effortlessly elegant.
  • Bake Precisely: Watch cookies closely during the 8-10 minute baking window, removing when edges are firm but centers remain slightly soft for ultimate melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Store and Serve With No Fuss

  • Refrigerate: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container, layering between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
  • Reheat: Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture.

Drinks That Go Well With These Cookies

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the rich chocolate and nutty pecan flavors with a bold, full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel, which will enhance the cookie's deep, decadent taste.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Create a delightful contrast by pairing these chocolatey cookies with creamy, smooth vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the cold, sweet cream to balance the cookie's intense chocolate and pecan notes.
  • Match with Dark Roast Coffee: Brew a strong, dark roast coffee to bring out the cookie's chocolate intensity, with the coffee's robust flavor cutting through the sweetness and highlighting the nutty pecan undertones.
  • Enjoy with Caramel Liqueur: Elevate the dessert experience by sipping a smooth caramel liqueur alongside these cookies, adding a luxurious, velvety dimension that complements the chocolate and pecan combination.

New Versions for Chocolate Pecan Cookies

  • Nutty Chocolate Swirl: Replace pecans with a mix of almonds and walnuts for a complex, rich flavor profile that adds extra crunch and depth to the classic cookie.
  • Salted Caramel Chocolate: Sprinkle sea salt on top and add a caramel drizzle instead of plain melted chocolate, creating a sweet-salty combination that elevates the cookie's taste.
  • Espresso Chocolate Crunch: Mix ground espresso beans into the dough and coat with toasted hazelnuts for a sophisticated coffee-chocolate experience that packs an intense flavor punch.
  • White Chocolate Raspberry: Swap dark chocolate drizzle with white chocolate and add dried raspberry pieces to the dough, introducing a fruity, tangy element that complements the rich chocolate base.
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Chocolate Pecan Delight Cookies Recipe

Chocolate Pecan Delight Cookies Recipe


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4.5 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet chocolate pecan delight cookies bring Southern comfort to classic dessert tables. Crisp edges, nutty crunch, and rich chocolate create perfect harmony for cookie enthusiasts seeking indulgent moments.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups (300 grams) flour, sifted
  • ½ cup (50 grams) cocoa powder
  • 1 cup (100 grams) pecans, finely chopped

Fat and Sweeteners:

  • 1 ¼ cups (280 grams) butter, softened
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) sugar
  • ½ cup (85 grams) chocolate chips, melted

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C), creating the ideal baking environment for these decadent cookies.
  2. In a spacious mixing vessel, whip the butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract together until the mixture becomes airy and voluminous, developing a silky smooth texture.
  3. Carefully sift the flour and cocoa powder into the creamy base, gently incorporating them to create a uniform dough without any stubborn clumps.
  4. Craft two elongated cylindrical rolls of dough, each measuring approximately 9 inches in length, transforming their exterior by meticulously rolling them in finely chopped pecans.
  5. Encase each pecan-coated dough roll in plastic wrap, then allow them to rest and firm up in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, ensuring precise slicing.
  6. Extract the chilled dough and slice into delicate rounds approximately 1/3 inch thick, positioning them strategically on an ungreased baking sheet.
  7. Slide the cookie sheet into the preheated oven, baking for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges become crisp while maintaining a tender center.
  8. After cooling completely, embellish the cookies with a sophisticated chocolate drizzle, utilizing a makeshift piping bag created from a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off for precision.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is crucial for developing rich, complex flavors and preventing cookies from spreading too much during baking.
  • Use room temperature butter for smoother mixing and better integration of ingredients, which helps create a more uniform cookie texture.
  • Chopping pecans finely ensures even coating and distribution, providing a consistent nutty crunch in every delightful bite.
  • Slice cookies uniformly to guarantee even baking and professional-looking results that will impress family and friends.
  • Drizzling chocolate adds a luxurious finishing touch, transforming these cookies from simple to spectacular with minimal extra effort.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their delectable texture and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes (per batch)
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 162
  • Sugar: 3.5 g
  • Sodium: 25 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 1.2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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