The rich, nutty aroma of browned butter mingles perfectly with the toasty sweetness of bourbon and the crunch of roasted pecans in this elevated take on a classic cookie. These Browned Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Cookies are packed with flavor and texture in every bite, thanks to melty chocolate chunks and golden edges that give way to a soft, chewy center.
Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or as a decadent gift, these cookies combine simple ingredients in a truly sophisticated way. The bourbon adds a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of brown sugar and chocolate. They’re not just cookies they’re a bakery-style indulgence made in your own kitchen.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
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1 cup packed light brown sugar
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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2 tablespoons bourbon
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
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1 1/2 cups chocolate chunks
Directions:
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In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
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Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the bourbon and vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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Fold in the toasted pecans and chocolate chunks.
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Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Scoop dough into balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place on the prepared baking sheets.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are still slightly soft.
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Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Chill Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
Kcal: 285 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
Cookies are universally loved, but when you elevate them with nuanced ingredients like browned butter, bourbon, and toasted pecans, you transform a humble treat into a gourmet experience. These Browned Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Cookies are rich, nutty, chewy, and bold—with just enough sophistication to feel special and just enough comfort to feel like home. Let’s dive deeper into the inspiration, technique, and story behind this incredible cookie.
A Southern Twist on a Classic Favorite
The combination of pecans, bourbon, and butter draws heavily from Southern culinary traditions. Pecans, a staple in Southern desserts, provide a crunchy, buttery element that plays beautifully with sweet, rich ingredients. Bourbon—often found in classic Southern cakes and pies—brings in warmth and depth, with caramel and vanilla notes that enhance the overall profile of the cookie.
When paired with the rich nuttiness of browned butter and the indulgent softness of chocolate chunks, these cookies become a tribute to Southern baking—rustic, heartfelt, and decadently rich.
Why Browned Butter Changes Everything
One of the standout features of this cookie is the use of browned butter. For those who may be unfamiliar, browning butter involves cooking it over heat until the milk solids toast and turn a golden brown. This process brings out an intense, nutty aroma and flavor that adds a whole new layer of complexity to baked goods.
Compared to using plain melted or creamed butter, browned butter has a more toasty, caramel-like quality that amplifies the richness of the cookie dough. When you mix it with brown sugar and bourbon, it creates an aromatic base that smells like toffee and toasts marshmallows—making it almost impossible to resist even before baking.
Toasting the Pecans: A Small Step That Makes a Big Difference
While it’s easy to throw raw pecans into your cookie dough, taking the time to toast them elevates the flavor dramatically. Toasted pecans bring out natural oils and enhance the nutty essence, giving a deeper, more concentrated taste. This extra step adds crunch, warmth, and a sophisticated edge to each bite.
Moreover, pecans are softer than other nuts like almonds or walnuts, making them an ideal companion to chewy cookie dough. They blend effortlessly with chocolate chunks without overpowering them, giving balance and textural contrast.
The Role of Bourbon in Baking
Bourbon isn’t just for sipping or cocktails—it’s an excellent ingredient in baking. The alcohol in bourbon evaporates during the baking process, but its flavor lingers in subtle notes. Vanilla, oak, caramel, and spice from the bourbon round out the sweetness of the sugar and chocolate.
What makes bourbon particularly compelling in this recipe is how it complements both the sweet and savory components. It doesn’t dominate the palate but rather acts as a background note that lingers gently, making these cookies memorable and mature.
For those who prefer not to use alcohol, the recipe can be modified by substituting bourbon with vanilla extract and a splash of maple syrup or coffee for a similar depth.
The Perfect Texture: Crisp Edges, Soft Centers
The ultimate cookie is all about texture. This recipe strikes that perfect balance—crisp golden edges that give way to a soft, slightly gooey center. That contrast is essential for cookie satisfaction.
Using both brown sugar and granulated sugar achieves this texture. Brown sugar contributes moisture and chewiness due to its molasses content, while white sugar promotes spreading and crisp edges. Combined with browned butter and eggs, this cookie dough has enough structure to hold its shape while still remaining delightfully tender.
Chilling the dough before baking is another vital step that shouldn’t be skipped. Not only does it help the flavors meld and intensify, but it also prevents excessive spreading, giving you thick, bakery-style cookies with lovely domed tops.
Chocolate Chunks vs. Chocolate Chips
You may be wondering, “Why chocolate chunks instead of chips?” Chocolate chunks melt differently than chips. Chips are designed to hold their shape, while chunks (especially from a chopped chocolate bar) melt into layers and pockets of richness within the cookie.
The end result is more luxurious—a bite of semi-melted chocolate surrounded by buttery, nutty dough and a touch of bourbon warmth. Using dark or bittersweet chocolate also cuts through the sweetness, creating a balanced bite every time.
A Recipe That Impresses for Any Occasion
These cookies aren’t just for everyday snacking. With their bold flavors and striking texture, they’re ideal for special occasions, holiday cookie trays, or thoughtful homemade gifts. They pair beautifully with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even a neat pour of bourbon for adults seeking a richer treat.
Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply to show appreciation to someone you love, these cookies make a powerful impression. They are nostalgic yet elevated, comforting yet gourmet.
Tips for Success
If you’re planning to bake these cookies, here are a few quick tips:
- Don’t rush the browned butter – let it toast slowly for optimal flavor without burning.
- Use quality chocolate – choose bars or chunks with a high cocoa content for better melting.
- Chill the dough – it helps control spreading and intensifies flavor.
- Toast the pecans – a few minutes in a dry pan or oven unlocks their full potential.
- Don’t overbake – take them out when the edges are just golden and the centers still look soft; they’ll finish setting as they cool.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Grown-Up Cookie
In the world of cookies, these Browned Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Cookies stand tall. They’re a masterclass in contrasts—sweet and salty, chewy and crisp, classic and bold. What makes them so special is the layering of flavors: the deep nuttiness from browned butter, the cozy warmth of bourbon, the richness of chocolate, and the crunch of toasted pecans.
This isn’t just a recipe—it’s a celebration of comfort and craft. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just beginning your kitchen journey, these cookies are guaranteed to earn rave reviews and repeat requests.
So go ahead—bake a batch, share with friends, and savor each gooey, golden, bourbon-kissed bite.