Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by melting 1 ½ tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once it's melted, add the chopped pecans and toast them for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently until they turn lightly golden and fragrant. Set the toasted pecans aside on a plate to cool while you prepare the rest of the cookie dough.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 2 sticks of unsalted butter over medium heat. Swirl the melted butter occasionally as it cooks for about 5–7 minutes, until it develops an amber color and a nutty aroma. Be attentive to avoid burning; once browned, remove it from heat and pour it into a mixing bowl to cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Set aside.
- Into the bowl with the slightly cooled brown butter, add 1 cup of dark brown sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until smooth and well incorporated. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons of bourbon, followed by 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually fold in the flour mixture to the wet ingredients using a spatula, mixing just until everything is combined. Stir in the 8 ounces of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks along with the toasted pecans.
- Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for a minimum of 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Using a large cookie scoop, portion out dough balls about 3 tablespoons each, spacing them 3 inches apart on the baking sheets. Press a pecan half onto the top of each dough ball.
- Slide the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 12 minutes until golden brown around the edges with a slightly soft center.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Notes
Cool the butter properly, chill the dough, measure accurately, watch the browning, and add sea salt for a perfect baking experience.
