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Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 99 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 4 hours 32 minutes
  • Yield: About 24 cookies 1x

Description

These Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Cookies are a decadent treat combining nutty browned butter, rich bourbon, toasted pecans, and generous chocolate chunks. The browned butter adds a deep, complex flavor, while the bourbon gives a subtle warmth and aroma. Toasted pecans bring a delightful crunch and earthiness. These cookies are perfectly soft and chewy with a crisp edge, finished with optional flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors. A truly indulgent cookie for special occasions or anytime you want a gourmet homemade sweet.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Buttered Pecans:

  • 1 and 1/2 cups (170 grams) pecan halves, finely chopped
  • 1 and 1/2 tablespoons (24 grams) unsalted butter

For the Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Cookies:

  • 2 sticks (226 grams) unsalted butter, melted until browned
  • 2 and 1/2 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup (213 grams) dark brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup (99 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons (8 grams) vanilla extract
  • 3 Tablespoons (42 grams) bourbon
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 8 ounces semi-sweet OR dark chocolate, roughly chopped into chunks
  • 24 pecan halves, for decoration, optional
  • 1 Tablespoon flaky sea salt, optional

Instructions

  1. Prepare Buttered Pecans: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped pecans and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes until they are lightly toasted and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Make Brown Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Swirl the pan occasionally as it melts. Continue cooking until the butter foams, making popping sounds and turns a rich amber with brown bits forming at the bottom, releasing a nutty aroma. Immediately remove from heat and pour into a large mixing bowl.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder until fully combined. Set aside.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a handheld or stand mixer with paddle attachment on medium speed, beat the browned butter with dark brown sugar and granulated sugar for about 1 minute until well blended.
  5. Add Flavorings and Eggs: Mix in the vanilla extract and bourbon until incorporated. Add eggs one at a time, beating briefly (about 15 seconds) after each addition.
  6. Incorporate Flour and Mix-Ins: Turn off the mixer. Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, fold in the dry ingredients just until they begin to disappear. Gently fold in the chocolate chunks and buttered pecans.
  7. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 4 hours to develop flavor and firmness.
  8. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  9. Scoop and Shape Cookies: Use a large cookie scoop to portion the dough into 3-tablespoon sized balls. Place them spaced about 3 inches apart on the prepared sheets. Press one pecan half firmly on top of each dough ball.
  10. Bake Cookies: Bake one tray at a time for 12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. If edges spread too much, gently press them back towards the center immediately after removing from oven.
  11. Finish Cookies: While warm, press extra chocolate chunks and pecan pieces onto the cookie tops. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
  12. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Using browned butter adds a rich, nutty flavor unique to this cookie recipe.
  • Chilling the dough improves texture and flavor development.
  • Flaky sea salt on top brings a perfect balance of sweet and salty.
  • Use quality bourbon and chocolate for best flavor.
  • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes per batch
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: brown butter cookies, bourbon cookies, pecan cookies, chocolate chunk cookies, homemade cookies, toasted pecans, decadent cookies

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Find it online: https://bitesbyolivia.com/brown-butter-bourbon-pecan-chocolate-chunk-cookies-recipe/