I grew up sneaking warm, slightly chewy cookies from the cooling rack, and these white chocolate chip pecan cookies have that same comforting pull. Crisp at the edges, tender inside, with a sweet white chocolate hit and toasty pecan crunch — they’re the kind of cookie people ask you to bring to every potluck, birthday, and casual coffee break. This recipe is straightforward enough for weeknight baking but special enough for holiday cookie plates, and it pairs beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a robust espresso. If you like a nutty twist on classic cookies, these are a must-try; for a nuttier sibling, consider my take on brown-butter pecan chocolate chip cookies for deeper, caramelized flavor.

What makes this recipe special

These cookies stand out because the white chocolate offers a creamy, slightly vanilla-forward sweetness that brightens the toasted pecans. The dough is simple and forgiving — no chilling required if you’re short on time — and the texture balances chew and snap, which is why families and bakers alike reach for this recipe year after year. They’re also adaptable: swap in half the flour for whole-wheat for a heartier bite, or use chopped macadamias if pecans aren’t your thing.

“Perfectly balanced: sweet, nutty, and just the right amount of chew. A holiday favorite.”

For another nut-forward cookie idea that’s similarly crowd-pleasing, I like to reference a classic variation in my collection: chocolate chip pecan cookies — they’re great when you want a darker chocolate contrast.

How this recipe comes together

Before you grab bowls and measuring cups, here’s the quick process so you know what to expect:

Cream butter and sugars until smooth to build the cookie’s structure and chew.
Add eggs and vanilla for richness and emulsification.
Whisk dry ingredients separately (flour, baking soda, salt) to prevent lumps.
Fold dry into wet just until combined — overmixing makes cookies tough.
Stir in white chocolate chips and chopped pecans for texture and flavor.
Portion dough, bake until edges are lightly golden, then cool briefly on the sheet to set.

This flow keeps the dough tender and ensures even baking. If you want a chewier result, bake on a cooler baking sheet; for crisper cookies, use a darker pan.

Gather these items

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup pecans, chopped

Notes/substitutions: Use European-style butter for a richer flavor. For a dairy-free version, try a vegan butter and dairy-free white chocolate chips. If pecans are unavailable, walnuts or macadamia nuts work well.

How to prepare it

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and slightly fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in the vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until no large streaks of flour remain — a few small streaks are fine.
Fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped pecans with a spatula.
Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but centers still look a touch soft.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3–5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

If you prefer uniform cookies, scoop dough with a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop. For bigger, bakery-style cookies, use a 2-tablespoon scoop and add 1–2 minutes to bake time. If you want a slightly flatter cookie, press the tops gently with a spatula right after removing from the oven.

For a crunchy-to-chewy comparison and technique notes, you might find this toffee-coconut pecan chocolate chip cookies post helpful for texture tweaks.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serve warm with a glass of cold milk or a latte for breakfast-on-the-go vibes.
Plate a stack with assorted holiday cookies for gifting or parties.
Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a quick sundae upgrade.
Pair with a late-harvest Riesling or a brown ale if you want an adult beverage contrast.

Presentation tip: arrange cookies on a wood board with a few extra pecan halves and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch.

How to store & freeze

Short-term: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a slice of bread or a folded paper towel in the container to maintain softness.
Long-term: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes.
Freezing dough: Scoop dough onto a tray, freeze solid, then store scoops in a bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
Food safety: Always cool completely before storing to avoid condensation and sogginess.

Pro chef tips

Soften butter at room temperature but don’t let it melt — it should give slightly when pressed. Using melted butter changes spread and texture.
Don’t overmix once you add flour; overworking develops gluten and yields tough cookies.
Toast pecans lightly in a dry skillet for 3–5 minutes before chopping to amplify flavor.
For pockets of gooey white chocolate on the surface, press an extra few chips onto the tops right after baking.
If your oven runs hot, rotate sheets halfway through baking and check a minute or two early.

If you’re experimenting with gluten-free flours, check techniques used in my gluten-free recipe for guidance on binders and texture: chewy gluten-free oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.

Creative twists

Salted white chocolate and pecan: sprinkle each cookie with flaky sea salt before cooling.
Orange zest: add 1–2 teaspoons of grated orange zest to the dough for a bright citrus note.
Brown-butter version: brown the butter for a nutty backbone and reduce baking time slightly; it pairs beautifully with the pecans.
Double nut: swap half the pecans for chopped macadamia nuts for a buttery crunch.
Mix-in variations: dried cherries, toffee bits, or dark chocolate chunks can replace or complement white chips.

Helpful answers

Q: Can I chill the dough and why would I do that?
A: Yes — chilling for 30 minutes to 24 hours firms the dough, reduces spread, and concentrates flavor. Longer chill times usually yield thicker, chewier cookies.

Q: How can I make these cookies chewier?
A: Use slightly more brown sugar than granulated, underbake by a minute or two so centers stay soft, and avoid overmixing. Using an extra egg yolk in place of one whole egg also increases chew.

Q: Are there easy nut-free options?
A: Replace pecans with toasted seeds (pumpkin or sunflower) or omit entirely and add extra white chips or a handful of shredded coconut.

Q: Can I halve the recipe?
A: Yes — simply divide all ingredients by two and adjust baking sheets accordingly. Watch timing closely because smaller batches can bake faster.

Q: How long do cookies stay fresh at room temp?
A: Properly stored in an airtight container, they remain fresh for about 4–5 days.

Conclusion

If you want more white chocolate and pecan inspiration, this version from Kristine walks through a similar crowd-pleasing approach that complements the techniques here: White Chocolate Pecan Cookies | Kristine in Between. For another baker’s spin and serving ideas, see this thoughtful take on the same flavor combo: White Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies – Kenya Rae.