Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies Recipe

Get ready to sink your teeth into pure bliss with Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies! This irresistible treat strikes the dreamiest balance between chewy, buttery cookie, rich caramel bits, nutty pecans, and a whisper of sea salt on top. Each bite delivers a warm, hug-in-a-cookie experience that’s sure to win over dessert lovers and make you the star of any cookie exchange. If you’re craving the magic of gooey caramel and toasty pecans held together in a sweet and salty embrace, these cookies absolutely belong in your baking lineup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies start with a handful of simple ingredients that come together for maximum flavor and texture. Every item plays a special part, from adding softness and nutty crunch to ensuring perfect chewiness in every bite!

• Unsalted butter: Use softened butter for that signature silky, tender crumb and rich flavor.
• Brown sugar: Adds deep, caramelly sweetness and extra chew to your cookies.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar, keeping the cookies perfectly sweet and helping them brown.
• Eggs: Bring structure and moisture, creating a soft, delectable texture.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with a warm, aromatic touch that makes the cookies smell amazing.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookies, giving them their classic heft and chew.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies spread and gives them a light, slightly airy bite.
• Salt: Rounds out the flavors and ensures your sweetness is perfectly balanced.
• Pecans, chopped: For treasured crunch and a nutty depth that complements the caramel.
• Caramel bits: These little nuggets melt just enough for gooey pockets of caramel throughout each cookie.
• Sea salt for sprinkling: Adds a sparkle of salty contrast on top and elevates all the flavors.

How to Make Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station

Begin by setting yourself up for success: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures that your Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies bake evenly and release easily with crisp, golden bottoms.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the blend is light and fluffy. This important step builds the cookies’ irresistible soft and melt-in-your-mouth texture, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack the eggs in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract next, which infuses the dough with that extra hit of warmth. The mixture should be smooth and glossy, almost like caramel itself.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring until just combined. This is where the dough starts to come together into something magical—don’t over-mix or you’ll lose that tender crumb.

Step 5: Fold in Pecans and Caramel Bits

Gently fold in the chopped pecans and caramel bits until they’re evenly scattered throughout the dough. Each scoop should have a little bit of everything: buttery dough, crunchy nut, and melty caramel!

Step 6: Shape, Sprinkle, and Bake

Scoop out heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space for spreading. Give each dough mound a slight sprinkle of sea salt on top—this is the moment the cookies get their signature flavor pop! Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers look just set.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow your Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set while the caramel remains just gooey enough. Try to resist sneaking one—but with that aroma filling your kitchen, good luck!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies

Garnishes

An extra pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking adds beautiful contrast and a gourmet look. For a little festive flair, you can drizzle with more caramel or even a touch of melted chocolate—the salt and sweet combo makes every bite sing.

Side Dishes

Pair Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cozy mug of coffee for true dessert heaven. They’re also fantastic alongside fresh fruit, a cheese board, or even as a sweet surprise tucked next to your morning espresso.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies in a clear jar tied with a ribbon for an unforgettable edible gift, or arrange them on a rustic wooden platter for your next party. Want a showstopper dessert? Sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies and roll the edges in more chopped pecans—it’s the ultimate indulgence!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Slip a slice of bread in the container to help retain their perfect chewiness!

Freezing

For fresh-baked goodness whenever you crave it, freeze the dough balls on a tray and transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. You can also freeze baked cookies—just let them cool first—then thaw at room temp or warm up briefly before devouring.

Reheating

If you like your cookies warm and extra gooey, reheat them in a 300°F oven for about 3 minutes or give them a quick zap in the microwave for 10 seconds. The caramel softens beautifully and the kitchen smells amazing all over again!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel candies instead of caramel bits?

Absolutely! Just chop up soft caramel candies into small pieces so they distribute evenly through the dough. The result is just as delicious, with wonderful gooey caramel pockets in every cookie.

How do I prevent the caramel from sticking to the parchment paper?

A good-quality parchment paper usually does the trick, but letting the cookies cool on the tray for a few minutes lets the caramel firm up a bit before you transfer them. A gentle spatula helps too—no more sticky mess!

Can I substitute walnuts for pecans in Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies?

Definitely! Walnuts add their own toasty richness, so substitute them in equal measure. You can also try macadamias or almonds if you’d like a different nutty profile.

How do I know the cookies are baked through?

The edges should be golden brown but the centers can still look just a touch underbaked when you pull them out. As they cool, they’ll firm up to that perfect chewy goodness without being dry.

Are these cookies good for making ice cream sandwiches?

They’re divine for ice cream sandwiches! Their sturdy-yet-soft texture pairs beautifully with ice cream, and the salted caramel and pecans make for a flavor-packed treat—just freeze the assembled sandwiches for 30 minutes before serving for best results.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to fall a little in love with these Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying them for the first time, each bite is pure comfort and joy. Share them, gift them, or simply sneak a few with your coffee—you’ll be glad you did!