Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Cookies are a delightful treat that combines rich flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. The nutty aroma from the browned butter harmonizes beautifully with the bourbon, creating a cookie that is both sophisticated and comforting. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, these cookies will surely impress everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan
This recipe is not only delicious but also offers several benefits. First, the combination of Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan flavors creates a unique taste that sets it apart from regular cookies. Second, the use of dark brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, enhancing the overall experience. Third, the toasted pecans provide a satisfying crunch that complements the chewiness of the cookie. This dessert is also perfect for holiday gatherings, impressing guests with its gourmet appeal. Additionally, it can be paired with Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Ingredients for Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan
Gather these items:
- 1 and 1/2 cups (170 grams) pecan halves, finely chopped
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoons (24 grams) unsalted butter
- 2 sticks (226 grams) unsalted butter, melted until browned
- 2 and 1/2 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup (213 grams) dark brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (99 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons (8 grams) vanilla extract
- 3 Tablespoons (42 grams) bourbon
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 8 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, roughly chopped into chunks
- 24 pecan halves, for decoration (optional)
- 1 Tablespoon flaky sea salt (optional)
How to Make Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped pecans and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly toasted. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until browned, swirling occasionally, until it reaches a rich amber color with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and pour into a mixing bowl.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder; whisk and set aside.
- Step 4: Using a mixer, combine melted browned butter and both sugars; beat on medium speed until combined.
- Step 5: Add vanilla and bourbon; beat until combined.
- Step 6: Add eggs one at a time, beating 15 seconds after each addition. Using a spoon, gently fold in flour until it begins to disappear. Then fold in chocolate chunks and buttered pecans.
- Step 7: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 4 hours.
- Step 8: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 9: Using a cookie scoop, divide the dough into 3-tablespoon balls and place on baking sheets, leaving 3 inches apart.
- Step 10: Press a pecan half on top of each cookie ball.
- Step 11: Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown. Press edges back in if they spread.
- Step 12: Press extra chocolate chunks and pecans on top of warm cookies, sprinkle with sea salt, and cool on the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh pecans for the best flavor.
- Ensure the butter is well-browned for a deeper nutty flavor.
- Refrigerating the dough allows the flavors to meld and improves the texture.

Best Ways to Serve Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan
These cookies are best served warm with a scoop of Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan ice cream on the side. They also pair excellently with coffee or a glass of bourbon for an indulgent treat.
How to Store and Reheat Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan
To store, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to three months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore their original texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan
What’s the secret to perfect Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan?
The secret lies in properly browning the butter, which enhances the flavor and adds a nutty aroma to these delicious cookies. Also, using quality ingredients like dark brown sugar and fresh pecans makes a significant difference.
Can I make Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 72 hours. This allows the flavors to develop, resulting in even tastier cookies.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan?
To avoid spreading, be sure to chill the dough before baking. Also, watch the baking time closely, as over-baking can lead to dry cookies. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
Variations of Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with variations by adding different mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even spices like nutmeg. You can also make a Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Pie or a Pecan Brown Butter Bourbon Cake for a different twist on this flavor profile.

For more delicious recipes, check out our Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler or Chewy Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies. You might also enjoy our Pumpkin Cobbler for a comforting dessert option. If you’re interested in baking techniques, learn more about how to brown butter for the best flavor.
Print
Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Cookies
- Total Time: 4 hours 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Cookies that combine rich flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups (170 grams) pecan halves, finely chopped
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoons (24 grams) unsalted butter
- 2 sticks (226 grams) unsalted butter, melted until browned
- 2 and 1/2 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup (213 grams) dark brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (99 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons (8 grams) vanilla extract
- 3 Tablespoons (42 grams) bourbon
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 8 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, roughly chopped into chunks
- 24 pecan halves, for decoration (optional)
- 1 Tablespoon flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped pecans and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly toasted. Set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until browned, swirling occasionally, until it reaches a rich amber color with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and pour into a mixing bowl.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder; whisk and set aside.
- Using a mixer, combine melted browned butter and both sugars; beat on medium speed until combined.
- Add vanilla and bourbon; beat until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating 15 seconds after each addition. Using a spoon, gently fold in flour until it begins to disappear. Then fold in chocolate chunks and buttered pecans.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 4 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Using a cookie scoop, divide the dough into 3-tablespoon balls and place on baking sheets, leaving 3 inches apart.
- Press a pecan half on top of each cookie ball.
- Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown. Press edges back in if they spread.
- Press extra chocolate chunks and pecans on top of warm cookies, sprinkle with sea salt, and cool on the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
- Prep Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg