Y’all! These cookies!
Imagine the perfect chocolate chip cookie – crisp on the outside, chewy and rich on the inside, studded with pecans and toffee, and with the perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors. They might actually be my new favorite cookie. And I have super high standards when it comes to cookies.
I’ve been working for weeks to get these just right. I’ve probably made 6 or 8 batches of cookies. It’s been a tough job. {grins}
I just love the science aspect of cooking. Knowing how different ingredients affect the end product is super fascinating and pretty important for a recipe developer.
So creating the perfect cookie recipe took a little science. And while I won’t bore you with all the little details, I think there are a few things that bear mentioning. I think it makes us all better cooks, right?? Here we go…
White Sugar and Brown Sugar
White sugar gives the cookie its crispy exterior. Brown sugar, with its molasses, gives the cookie a chewy texture. I think the perfect cookie is both crisp and chewy, so I’ve included both.
Eggs
I know how frustrating it is to find a recipe that calls for a whole egg and one egg yolk. You’re left with the extraneous egg white and hate to throw it out. I get it. Well, if it wasn’t absolutely necessary, I wouldn’t include it. I promise.
That extra yolk gives the cookie an extra richness, but I find that two whites makes the cookies spread a bit too much. It would require you to chill the dough, and I hate waiting for cookie dough to chill. When I want cookies, I want them right then! If nothing else, pop that extra white in the fridge in a sealed container or zip-top bag and add it to scrambled eggs this weekend.
Vanilla Extract
I like cookies to have tons of vanilla flavor – especially these. So I typically add 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons) of vanilla extract to mine. Most recipes this size call for 2 teaspoons. But feel free to add whichever amount you think will best suit your taste. When it comes to the brand, I typically use Watkins Baking Vanilla in the test kitchen because it is readily available at most supermarkets and super centers, but you use whatever your favorite is.
Now go make these cookies! You’re going to love them! And you’re going to love just how easy they are!
Chocolate Chip Toffee Pecan Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 to 3 teaspoons vanilla extract (see note)
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (see recipe for measuring instructions)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup chopped toffee pieces (like Heath Bits o' Brickle English Toffee Bits)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat.
- In large bowl, stir together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. The butter should be soft enough to mix thoroughly, but not melted. Add the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk and stir until combined.
- In another bowl, measure the flour by spooning the flour into the measuring cup and leveling it off. THIS IS IMPORTANT! Add the baking soda and salt and whisk together.
- Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and stir to combine. This might take some work, but it will combine.
- Add the chocolate chips, pecans, and toffee pieces. Mix well. Allow the dough to rest about 5 minutes.
- Use a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough out onto the prepared pan placing them about 4 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Work in batches to use the remaining dough. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
Mary says
These do look good, can’t wait to try them..Mmmm chocolate chips, toffee and pecans yum!
Stacey says
Hope you love them as much as we do!
Susan says
Sounds like a must-try recipe! Is there a reason not to use a mixer?
Stacey says
You can use a mixer for sure. It’s just not necessary.
Claudine says
Stacey,
These cookies were superb! I am like you, I love vanilla and always add more than called for in the recipe. I also like to add some cinnamon especially when I am making cookies, or anything that has chocolate in it. I took the liberty of adding some cinnamon to this recipe and YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! Thank you Stacey for sharing this recipe.
Claudine in Fort Worth, TX
Stacey says
Wonderful, Claudine! I’m so glad you enjoyed them!!
Pam Hart says
These cookies taste fantastic! The only question I have is mine spread out to flat and didn’t look like your picture. What can I do different?
Stacey says
This is the perpetual issue with baking recipes that don’t use weight measurement. That said, the easiest way to fix it is to chill the dough, then scoop it and bake. I’ve not had to do that with this recipe, but it usually means the fat to flour ratio might be off a bit and chilling it will slow the butter melting down a bit.
marvina Rose johnson says
OK, Stacey. I am printing this recipe and will make it this weekend. Can’t wait.
Stacey says
Hope you enjoyed them, Marvina!
ellen allen says
I love the way you place little bits of nuts and toffee and chocolate bits on the top before baking… really makes them into eye candy as well :)))
Stacey says
We eat with our eyes first, right? 🙂 Thank you!!
Carol Lefor says
Love them!! Easy to mix & loved the extra vanilla!! Hubby loved them, as well
Stacey says
Glad to hear it!! Thanks for letting me know!
Carol Lefor says
Love them!! Easy to mix & loved the extra vanilla!! Hubby loved them, as well.
RJ says
I must say, this is my new favorite cookie! Absolutely delicious. The entire family loves them too.
Stacey says
Wonderful! I’m so glad you enjoyed them!!
Tricia says
I just made these and they are wonderful. Do you think they would be good if I froze some for a few weeks…maybe in some ziplock bags with wax paper in between the layers?
Stacey says
I’ve not tried that, but I bet it should work.