Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Cookies

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s rich, nutty, and just a little bit boozy, look no further than these Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Cookies. Imagine the warm, toasty flavor of browned butter blended perfectly with the deep, caramel notes of bourbon, combined with crunchy pecans and melty pockets of chocolate chips. It’s a cookie that’s both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for everything from afternoon treats to holiday celebrations. The magic lies in the brown butter, which adds a nutty depth and a subtle buttery crunch, while the bourbon brings a hint of warmth without overpowering the other flavors. These cookies are chewy on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and absolutely irresistible.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

These Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Cookies go beyond your basic chocolate chip cookie thanks to a few key elements:

• Brown Butter: Instead of just melted butter, browning the butter brings out a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the entire cookie.
• Bourbon Infusion: A splash of bourbon adds warmth and complexity, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the pecans’ earthiness.
• Crunchy Pecans: Toasted pecans provide a satisfying crunch and a natural buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the brown butter.
• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips add gooey pockets of sweetness, complementing the nutty and boozy notes.
• Perfect Texture: These cookies strike the ideal balance between chewy and crisp, making each bite utterly delightful.

Ingredient Rundown

• 1 cup unsalted butter: Essential for browning and creating that deep, nutty base.
• 1 cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel-like sweetness.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps with the cookie’s texture.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to the cookie’s chewiness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the cookie, providing the perfect crumb.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough and spread beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1 cup chopped pecans: Adds crunch and richness; toast them lightly for the best flavor.
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips: Semi-sweet or dark work well for melting into the cookies.

Prep & Cook Tools

• Heavy-bottomed saucepan: For browning the butter evenly without burning.
• Mixing bowls: One for wet ingredients, one for dry ingredients.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: To cream sugars and mix dough effortlessly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient quantities.
• Spatula: For folding in pecans and chocolate chips.
• Baking sheets: Preferably lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Cooling rack: To cool cookies evenly and keep them crisp.

Build Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Cookies Step by Step

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting 1 cup unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring as the butter bubbles and foams. You’ll notice a nutty aroma as the milk solids begin to brown—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it turns a golden brown color, immediately remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix Sugars and Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Pour in the warm brown butter and mix well until smooth. Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then beat until combined and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep your cookies tender.

Step 4: Add Pecans, Chocolate Chips, and Bourbon

Fold in 1 cup chopped pecans and 1/2 cup chocolate chips gently. Now, for the star ingredient: add 1 tablespoon bourbon (or adjust to taste). Mix gently to incorporate the bourbon evenly throughout the dough without making it too wet.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up, preventing excessive spreading during baking and enhancing flavor development.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each) onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look set but still soft.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures the cookies firm up perfectly while retaining their chewy texture inside.

Holiday & Seasonal Touches

• Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast perfect for wintertime treats.
• Stir in dried cranberries or chopped dried cherries along with the pecans for a festive pop of color and tartness.
• Swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips to mix up the flavor profile seasonally.
• Incorporate a pinch of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to give these cookies a cozy holiday vibe.
• Drizzle with a simple bourbon glaze after baking for an extra show-stopping presentation during special occasions.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was inspired by the classic American love for pecan and bourbon flavors, often found in pies and desserts from the southern United States. The idea of marrying browned butter with bourbon came from wanting to deepen the flavor experience beyond a typical cookie. Brown butter adds an irresistible nuttiness, which complements the toasted pecans beautifully. Meanwhile, the bourbon provides a subtle warmth and depth without overpowering the sweet notes. The result is a cookie that feels both nostalgic and elevated.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

• Storing: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 3 months.
• Dough Freezing: Cookie dough balls can also be frozen before baking. Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating: Warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore their fresh-baked texture and melty chocolate goodness.

Common Questions

Can I use a bourbon extract instead of real bourbon?

Yes! If you prefer to avoid alcohol, bourbon extract is a great alternative that still delivers the characteristic flavor without the alcohol content. Use about 1 teaspoon in place of the 1 tablespoon bourbon.

Why is browning the butter important for this recipe?

Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that regular melted butter can’t match. It also deepens the overall flavor profile and creates a lovely aroma that elevates the cookies from ordinary to extraordinary.

Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work well as alternatives. Just make sure to chop and toast them lightly to bring out their flavor and maintain the cookie’s texture.

How do I make sure my cookies don’t spread too much?

Chilling the dough before baking is key. This firms it up and slows the spread in the oven. Also, avoid using butter that’s too warm or melted; browned butter should be cooled slightly before mixing.

Save & Share

If you loved these Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Cookies, don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorites and share it with friends and family. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or gifting during the holidays, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Snap a photo, tag your creations, and spread the love of buttery, boozy pecan goodness!

These Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Cookies are a delicious blend of flavors and textures that will quickly become a favorite in your cookie rotation. With their perfect balance of nutty, sweet, and boozy notes, they’re a treat worth baking again and again. Happy baking!

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