Pecan and Chocolate Cookies

Recipe Overview 🍽️

History of the Recipe ✍️

Pecans are native to North America and have long been used in traditional desserts, notably in the famous pecan pie. The combination of Pecan and Chocolate Cookies is a more indulgent version of classic American cookies, and this pairing has become a favorite in bakeries.

Ingredients 🛒

listed in the order of use in the procedure:

• 150 g (2/3 cup) of unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 120 g (1/2 cup) of brown sugar
• 100 g (1/2 cup) of granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 250 g (2 cups) of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 100 g (3.5 oz) of dark chocolate chips (or milk chocolate)
• 100 g (3.5 oz) of chopped pecans

Steps (How to Make ) 🥣

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cream together the butter with both sugars (brown and white) until you achieve a creamy and light mixture.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet preparation until you obtain a homogeneous dough.
5. Add the chocolate chips and chopped pecans to the dough. Mix gently using a spatula.
6. Form dough balls using a tablespoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each ball.
7. Bake in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is soft.
8. Allow to cool on a rack before enjoying.

Chef Tips 👨‍🍳

• Toast the pecans in the oven for a few minutes before incorporating them into the dough to enhance their flavor and crunch.
• For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• You can adjust the amount of chocolate and pecans according to your preferences.

Possible Variations 🎭

• Substitute dark chocolate with milk or white chocolate for a sweeter taste.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a slightly spiced flavor.
• You can also include raisins or caramel pieces for an extra sweet touch.

Bake Time 🔥

Baking takes about 10 to 12 minutes at 180°C (350°F). The Pecan and Chocolate Cookies should be lightly golden on the edges and still tender in the center for a perfect result.

How to Store 🥡

Food and Drink Pairings 🥂

These Pecan and Chocolate Cookies pair very well with black tea or sweet coffee. For a more indulgent dessert, serve them with a glass of cold milk or hot chocolate.

Presentation Suggestion 🍽️

Arrange the Pecan and Chocolate Cookies on a nice plate and sprinkle some whole pecan pieces on top for an elegant presentation. You can also accompany them with fresh fruits like pears or figs for a refined touch.

Why It’s Healthy 💚

Pecans are rich in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Dark chocolate, high in flavonoids, is a powerful antioxidant. This combination offers a dessert that is both indulgent and beneficial for health, especially when consumed in moderation.