Gourmet Cookie Recipe
These delectable cookies, featuring the classic combination of pecans and NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Milk Chocolate Morsels, promise a delightful treat for your taste buds. The mix of chopped and ground pecans adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the creamy milk chocolate perfectly. Despite their gourmet taste, these cookies are straightforward to prepare, making them an ideal choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
Ingredients and Preparation
This recipe calls for a blend of all-purpose flour, ground and chopped pecans, both granulated and brown sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, butter, vegetable shortening, eggs, vanilla extract, and of course, the star ingredient: NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Milk Chocolate Morsels. The combination of these ingredients creates a balanced cookie with a delightful crunch and a melty chocolate center.
The key ingredients here include the pecans, which add a deep, earthy flavor, and the milk chocolate morsels, which offer a smooth, creamy sweetness. The use of both butter and vegetable shortening ensures the cookies have a perfect texture – crisp on the edges and soft in the center.
When preparing, it’s crucial to measure the ingredients accurately. Use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure they mix well with the other ingredients, creating a smooth, consistent dough. Begin by blending the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another, then gradually combine them for the best results.
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s at the right temperature when your dough is ready. In a medium-sized bowl, mix the flour, ground pecans, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination of dry ingredients sets the foundation for your cookie dough.
In a large mixer bowl, beat the softened butter and vegetable shortening on medium speed for about 30 seconds until creamy. This step is crucial for creating the right texture in your cookies. Gradually add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing well until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Slowly incorporate as much of the flour mixture as possible. Once the dough becomes too thick for the mixer, manually stir in the remaining flour mixture along with the chocolate morsels and chopped pecans. At this point, you can cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 4 hours or up to 3 days if you wish to prepare it in advance. This refrigeration step helps the flavors meld and the dough to firm up, making it easier to handle.
Drop rounded teaspoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Place the sheets in the oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes or until the cookies turn golden brown. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling process helps the cookies set and develop their final texture.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
- Suggestions for ingredient substitutions: You can use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different flavor profile. Dark chocolate chips can replace milk chocolate for a richer taste.
- Storage tips for keeping cookies fresh: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- Make-ahead and freezing instructions: The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Alternatively, portion out the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Common mistakes to avoid: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Troubleshooting common issues: If your cookies are too flat, try chilling the dough longer before baking. If they’re too thick, your oven temperature might be too low.
- Clarifications on ingredient measurements and substitutions: Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter, but the flavor and texture might be slightly different. Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to avoid using too much.
- Baking times and temperature adjustments: If your cookies are browning too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly. For convection ovens, lower the temperature by 25°F and check for doneness a few minutes early.
What to Serve With This Recipe
These cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a comforting cup of tea. For a truly indulgent treat, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of fresh fruit. The rich, nutty flavor of the cookies complements creamy or fruity desserts beautifully.
Variations and Customizations
There are many ways to personalize this recipe to suit your tastes. Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy note. Dried fruit like cranberries or cherries can add a delightful tartness that balances the sweetness of the chocolate. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can increase the amount of granulated or brown sugar by a quarter cup.
These NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Milk Chocolate Pecan Cookies are a delightful blend of rich flavors and satisfying textures. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Give this recipe a try and share the delicious results with friends and family. Don’t forget to explore other mouthwatering recipes on our blog for more baking inspiration.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 3/4 cup ground pecans
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups (11.5-ounce package) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Milk Chocolate Morsels
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
In a medium-sized bowl, blend together the flour, ground pecans, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Using a large mixer bowl, beat the softened butter and vegetable shortening on medium speed for about 30 seconds until creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing well until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Slowly incorporate as much of the flour mixture as possible. Once the dough becomes too thick for the mixer, manually stir in the remaining flour mixture along with the chocolate morsels and chopped pecans. At this point, you can cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 4 hours or up to 3 days if you wish to prepare it in advance.
Drop rounded teaspoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Place the sheets in the oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes or until the cookies turn golden brown. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious cookies!
Gourmet Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 3/4 cup ground pecans
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup 1 stick butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups 11.5-ounce package NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Milk Chocolate Morsels
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a medium-sized bowl, blend together the flour, ground pecans, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Using a large mixer bowl, beat the softened butter and vegetable shortening on medium speed for about 30 seconds until creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing well until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Slowly incorporate as much of the flour mixture as possible. Once the dough becomes too thick for the mixer, manually stir in the remaining flour mixture along with the chocolate morsels and chopped pecans. At this point, you can cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 4 hours or up to 3 days if you wish to prepare it in advance.
- Drop rounded teaspoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Place the sheets in the oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes or until the cookies turn golden brown. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious cookies!