Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 package chocolate chip cookie mix (17.5 ounces)
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- 10 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons heavy cream
- ⅓ cup chopped pecans
Coating and Topping
- 1⅔ cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup caramel bits
- 1½ tablespoons heavy cream, divided plus 1 teaspoon optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chocolate chip cookie mix and cocoa powder until thoroughly blended for a rich chocolate base.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the softened butter, egg, and 4 tablespoons of heavy cream to the dry mixture. Beat using a hand or stand mixer until a soft and slightly sticky dough forms.
- Add Pecans to Dough: Fold in ⅓ cup of chopped pecans into the dough gently, distributing the nuts evenly throughout.
- Form Cookie Balls: Place the remaining 1⅔ cups of chopped pecans in a shallow bowl. Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop out dough balls, then roll each ball lightly in the chopped pecans to coat them. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 1½ inches apart.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops have cracked slightly, indicating they are fully baked.
- Cool Cookies: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5-10 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Caramel Drizzle: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits and remaining 1½ tablespoons heavy cream.
- Microwave Caramel: Microwave the mixture for 30 seconds and stir well. Continue microwaving in 10-15 second intervals, stirring after each until the caramel becomes smooth and pourable. If needed, stir in up to 1 teaspoon additional heavy cream to thin the caramel for easy drizzling.
- Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle the warm caramel over the cooled cookies. Serve immediately for a gooey topping or allow the caramel to set before storing to enjoy a firmer finish.
Notes
- Be careful not to overbake the cookies; remove them as soon as edges are set to keep them soft inside.
- Softened butter is essential for a smooth dough; take it out of the fridge ahead of time.
- Using parchment paper helps prevent cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- If caramel hardens before drizzling, gently reheat it in the microwave in short bursts.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh; caramel drizzle will firm up at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
