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Flavorful Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt

brown butter pecan chocolate chip cookies - featured image

These cookies combine nutty browned butter, crunchy toasted pecans, gooey semi-sweet chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Quick and easy to make, they are a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks, 227g) unsalted butter, browned slowly
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup (packed, 165g) brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus extra flaky sea salt for sprinkling
  • 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1 ½ cups (270g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Place 1 cup unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until butter melts, foams, and browns with a nutty aroma (6-8 minutes). Remove from heat and pour into a heatproof bowl to cool about 10 minutes.
  2. Add granulated sugar and brown sugar to the browned butter. Stir until combined and slightly cooled.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until mixture is glossy and smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and sea salt.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Fold in toasted pecans and semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
  7. Optional: Cover dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to help flavors meld and prevent spreading.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  9. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough balls spaced about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each.
  10. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Watch the butter closely when browning to avoid burning. Toast pecans in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes for extra crunch and flavor. Chilling dough is optional but recommended to prevent spreading. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness. Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies.

Nutrition

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