Chewy Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Pecans: Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Form Dough Balls: Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden brown. The centers should still be slightly soft.
9. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy your chewy chocolate chip pecan cookies!

Tips:

1. Chill Dough: For even chewier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking. Chilled dough spreads less during baking, resulting in thicker and chewier cookies.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother dough and ensures even mixing.
3. Watch Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake, as oven temperatures can vary. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set and lightly golden brown, but the centers are still slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
4. Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality chocolate chips and fresh pecans for the best flavor and texture in your cookies.
5. Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for longer storage.