Name: Ritz Carlton Chocolate Chunk Pecan Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups butter (2 1/2 sticks), softened; 3/4 cup dark brown sugar; 3/4 cup light brown sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups plus 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chunks (or bars cut into chunks); 2 cups chopped pecans

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I absolutely adore sharing this Ritz Carlton Chocolate Chunk Pecan Cookies Recipe with you because it truly captures the perfect harmony of rich chocolate and crunchy pecans in a buttery cookie that feels both indulgent and comforting. I first came across this recipe when craving something special yet simple, and it quickly became my go-to for sharing with friends and family. Each bite offers a delightful mix of gooey semisweet chocolate chunks melting alongside roasted pecans, with the brown sugars adding just the right depth of sweetness. I am thrilled to walk you through making these cookies that turn any ordinary day into a little celebration.

Why You'll Love This Ritz Carlton Chocolate Chunk Pecan Cookies Recipe

From the first time I bit into one of these cookies, I was hooked by the rich and balanced flavor profile. The combination of dark and light brown sugars adds a subtle caramel undertone that complements the slight bitterness of the semisweet chocolate chunks perfectly. Plus, the pecans give the cookie a wonderful crunch, adding texture and nutty warmth that makes each mouthful interesting. I love that these cookies are not overly sweet but have enough complexity to satisfy any sweet tooth.

What makes this recipe stand out for me is how approachable it is—no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. The steps are straightforward, yet the result feels elegant enough to impress guests or celebrate the everyday. I find this recipe ideal whenever I want to bake a big batch for a holiday party or just to have ready for weekday treats. Plus, it’s flexible enough for me to tweak depending on what I’m in the mood for or what’s in my pantry. I highly recommend giving this Ritz Carlton Chocolate Chunk Pecan Cookies Recipe a try because it’s a true crowd-pleaser that delivers every time.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, with each ingredient in separate white bowls or glass dishes. There are three yellow eggs in a clear glass bowl at the bottom left center, next to three dark chocolate bars placed flat. Above the eggs, there are two sticks of pale yellow butter in a white bowl. To the right of the butter, a large white bowl is filled with chopped pecans. Below the pecans is a white bowl filled with white flour. In front of the flour, two smaller white bowls hold light and dark brown sugar respectively. A small clear bowl containing vanilla extract sits next to the flour, and another small bowl with white baking powder and salt is above it. The neat layout showcases the ingredients clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make these cookies, you’ll only need a handful of simple, familiar ingredients that come together beautifully to create the perfect texture, flavor, and color. Each one plays a crucial role, from the creamy butter that adds richness to the flour providing structure, and of course, the pecans and chocolate chunks that make this recipe so special.

Quick Tip

All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below

Butter: Using full-fat butter gives these cookies their rich, tender crumb and slightly crispy edges.
Dark and light brown sugar: Together, these sugars create a deep, caramel-like sweetness and keep the cookies moist.
Large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients perfectly while adding richness and helping the cookies rise.
Vanilla extract: Just a touch imparts warm, aromatic flavor that elevates the chocolate and pecans.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, providing just the right amount of structure and chewiness.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and keeps them tender with a slight softness.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
Semisweet chocolate chunks: Big, melty chunks add bursts of rich chocolate in every bite.
Chopped pecans: Toasty nuts lend crunch and a buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.

Directions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, dark brown sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed, and it's a crucial step to ensure your cookies have that tender texture.

Step 2: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs add moisture and richness to your dough.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so be gentle here.

Step 4: Fold in the chocolate chunks and chopped pecans evenly throughout the dough. This is where the cookie really starts to take shape – those chunks and nuts make each bite exciting!

Step 5: For best results, I like to portion the dough using a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop and place each ball onto a large cookie sheet. Then, refrigerate the cookie dough balls for at least 2 hours. This chilling step helps prevent spreading and intensifies the flavor.

Step 6: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). Arrange about six cookies per baking sheet, leaving enough room for spreading.

Step 7: Bake the cookies for 13 to 15 minutes. You'll know they are done when the edges are lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly soft. This ensures a chewy, moist inside.

Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time allows the cookies to set perfectly without breaking.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 44 cookies, making it perfect for gatherings or keeping a stash of sweet treats at home. Prep time including chilling the dough takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, with active mixing only around 15 minutes. Baking time per batch is 13 to 15 minutes, and if you’re baking multiple trays, plan accordingly. Overall, from start to finish you’re looking at around 1 hour and 28 minutes, but that wait is absolutely worth every bite.

How to Serve This Ritz Carlton Chocolate Chunk Pecan Cookies Recipe

The image shows four light beige cookie dough balls with small dark brown chunks, placed separately on a white baking sheet lined with smooth white parchment paper. The dough balls are round with a soft, slightly lumpy texture and are spread out with ample space around each one. The background is a white marbled texture that gives a clean and bright look to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these cookies slightly warm so the chocolate chunks are still melty and the cookie has a soft center with a slight crisp on the edges. They pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk — such a classic combo that never fails to delight. For a grown-up twist, try enjoying them with a cup of robust coffee or even a dessert wine like a Tawny Port that complements the chocolate and nut flavors beautifully.

If you're bringing these cookies to a party or holiday celebration, I recommend arranging them on a rustic wooden board or a slate platter sprinkled with a few extra pecan halves for a polished presentation. They look inviting piled in small stacks alongside fresh fruit or a bowl of whipped cream. Adding a dusting of powdered sugar can also give a festive look if you’re serving around the holidays.

These cookies are truly versatile for occasions. They're a hit at family dinners, perfect for gifting during the holidays, and an easy crowd-pleaser for cookie exchanges or casual get-togethers. I like to keep a batch at room temperature in an airtight container for unexpected guests or for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. They’re sturdy enough to pack in lunchboxes but special enough to make any moment feel extra.

Variations

I’ve experimented with this recipe quite a bit, and I find there are so many fun ways to customize it. You can easily swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds if that's what you have on hand or if someone prefers a different nut flavor. For a nut-free version, I skip the pecans entirely and boost the chocolate chunks for maximum indulgence.

If you’re interested in a gluten-free adaptation, using a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works well here; just be sure to check the blend includes xanthan gum or add a bit yourself to get that ideal cookie texture. For a vegan twist, I’ve had good success substituting the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter and using flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water) in place of regular eggs, though the texture is slightly different—still delicious but a bit more crumbly.

Flavor-wise, I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor, which brings a lovely warmth and complexity. Another fun idea is to drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a pretty and tasty finishing touch. You can also bake the dough as bars for easier sharing, just increase the bake time and slice afterward.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Storing these cookies is simple and keeps them fresh for several days. I recommend placing them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain that perfect chewy-soft texture. If you live in a humid climate, keeping a dry paper towel in the container helps prevent sogginess. They typically stay good for up to 5 days, which is plenty of time to enjoy without losing their delightful quality.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these wonderful cookies! To freeze, place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe, airtight container or bag. This prevents them from sticking together and keeps their texture intact. Frozen cookies last for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours or warm gently.

Reheating

To revive frozen or leftover cookies, I find the best way is to warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes. This softens the chocolate and refreshes the overall texture. Avoid microwaving for too long as it can make them rubbery or dry. If you prefer, you can also enjoy them chilled for a firmer bite, which I sometimes do during warmer weather.

FAQs

Can I use chocolate chips instead of chunks?

Absolutely! While the original recipe calls for chocolate chunks for that more rustic, gooey effect, chocolate chips work perfectly well and are more convenient. They melt nicely and distribute evenly, though chunks give a chunkier bite if you prefer more texture.

Do I have to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling isn’t absolutely mandatory, but I strongly recommend it as it helps the dough set and prevents cookies from spreading too thin while baking. It also enhances the flavors, making the cookies taste richer and more developed.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious. I suggest sticking to proven gluten-free blends to make the swap easier.

How should I store these cookies if I want them to stay crispy?

If you prefer crispier cookies, store them in an airtight container with a piece of bread added inside. The bread helps absorb moisture and keeps the cookies crisp longer. Remember to remove the bread after a day to avoid staleness.

Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake later?

Definitely! In fact, I love making the dough in advance and refrigerating it for up to 3 days or freezing for longer. Just let it come to room temperature slightly before scooping and baking as usual for best results.

Conclusion

I genuinely hope you give this Ritz Carlton Chocolate Chunk Pecan Cookies Recipe a try because it’s such a rewarding bake that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aromas and your heart with joy. Whether you're making them for a special event or just to brighten an ordinary day, these cookies bring that perfect combination of buttery softness, chocolate richness, and nutty crunch that I promise will keep you coming back for more. Happy baking and enjoy every delicious bite!

Ritz Carlton Chocolate Chunk Pecan Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Ritz Carlton Chocolate Chunk Pecan Cookies Recipe