Soft Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

As Thanksgiving approaches, most of us are already dreaming about the mashed potatoes, the roasted turkey, and the cozy moments gathered around the table with the people we love. But let’s be honest—no holiday spread is complete without a little something sweet to close out the night (or to snack on while the turkey’s still in the oven).

This year, consider adding a fun twist to your traditional Thanksgiving desserts with a batch of Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies. They’re soft, buttery, and filled with gooey chocolate and crunchy pecans—the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence. Whether you’re hosting, traveling, or attending a festive cookie swap, these cookies will instantly become everyone’s new holiday favorite.

Why Cookies for Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving dessert tables are usually packed with pies—pumpkin, pecan, apple, you name it. And while we love a classic, cookies offer something delightfully unexpected. They’re simple to share, easy to pack, and the perfect treat for both kids and adults.

Plus, if you’re hosting a cookie swap party this year, these Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies will absolutely steal the show. They’re soft, thick, perfectly golden, and packed with flavor. Basically… the kind of cookie you bake once and then crave forever.

Perfect for Hosting, Gifting, or Snacking

Not only do these cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee after Thanksgiving dinner, but they also make a thoughtful homemade gift. Pack them in a cute holiday tin, add a little handwritten tag, and you’ve got a sweet treat that feels thoughtful and personal.

They also freeze beautifully, which means you can make them ahead of time and pull them out when things get busy. (We love a stress-free holiday moment.)

Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

8 tablespoons salted butter

1/2 cup white sugar (raw cane sugar with a coarser texture works great)

1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (6.75 ounces)

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt (add a little extra if you love a salty-sweet bite)

3/4 cup chocolate chips (a mix of chips + chunks is chef’s kiss)

1/4 cup pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Melt the butter: Microwave for about 40 seconds—just until mostly melted. It should be liquid but not hot.

3. In a bowl, mix the butter and sugars until creamy.

4. Add the vanilla and egg, mixing softly just until incorporated (10–15 seconds. Try not to overbeat it).

5. Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until cookie dough forms. Use your hands to press the crumbles into a soft dough ball.

6. Add the chocolate chips and pecans, gently folding them in with your hands.

7. Roll the dough into 12 large balls (or 9 for extra-large cookies).

8. Bake for 9–11 minutes until puffy, soft, and just barely golden.

   Important: Do NOT overbake. They should look slightly underdone when you pull them out.

9. Let them cool on the pan for 30 minutes, allowing them to sink into dense, buttery perfection.

   
   

These cookies stay soft for days when stored in an airtight container—and they freeze wonderfully.

Make This Thanksgiving a Little Sweeter

Whether you’re adding a new dessert to your Thanksgiving spread or prepping for a cookie swap, these Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies are guaranteed to bring joy to every bite. Share them with friends, kids, coworkers, or keep a secret stash for yourself—no judgment here.

If you make them, tag @casastclara so we can celebrate the sweet moments with you!