These simple, easy and effortless chocolate pecan cookies with a crumbly texture, are melt in your mouth delicious. With just 5 minutes to mix and ten minutes to bake these have got to be the quickest cookie recipe you will ever make. A step by step video demonstrates just how simple and easy it is.
These are delicious chocolate pecan cookies perfect for an evening tea time treat any day of the year. In our home, chocolate and pecans are always a huge hit. We love eating pecans just as evening snacks, and of course, who can say no to chocolate. Right?
My mother-in-law loved these cookies very much. The texture is not like regular cookies. Not crisp and not cakey, rather more crumbly. As you can see from the process below, I use a similar method to the one we use when making pie crust.
The best part about these cookies is that you can do it from start to finish. No need for any chilling in between steps. So, if you have unexpected guests and need to make a quick batch of cookies. This is a great option.
The process is as simple as placing everything in a food processor and giving it a few pulses before you roll them into balls and place them into the oven. No chilling, no rolling, no fuss. Can you think of anything more simple than these chocolate pecan cookies? Exactly!
By the way, these make amazing food gift ideas or cookies to take when you are invited for tea. I often make these and they always come back for the recipe.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Pecans - I have used pecan for this recipe - ground as well as whole chopped into small pieces. And yet, you can go with walnuts, almonds, cashews or even macadamia. My Rhea's favorite is macadamia.
- Cocoa powder - I use regular Dutch-processed cocoa powder, nothing fancy.
- Light brown sugar - I love just that hint of molasses you get from the light brown sugar. You can use dark, but the cookies will be softer. And you can also use white sugar, which will make the cookies a bit more crisp and crumbly.
- Egg - I think one egg is just right to keep the cookies crumbly. And yet, if you like to make them more crumbly add an extra egg. And if you like them less crumby add an extra egg white.
- Vanilla extract - A good quality vanilla goes a long way. Of course, I use my homemade vanilla extract.
Step by step instructions (pin)
Making the cookies
- Preheat the oven at 180C / 360 F.
- Add all dry ingredients in a food processor - flour, ground pecans, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Give it a few pulses to mix.
- Add chilled butter.
- Pulse just until crumbly.
- Add egg and vanilla.
- Pulse a few times to combine (there will still be some dry flour but do not overmix).
- Transfer to a bowl and bring together to form a dough.
- Roll into similar size balls.
- Press each ball into the chopped pecans.
- Place the cookies on a baking tray.
- Baked for 8 to 10 minutes until bottom is lightly golden.
- Cool on a wire rack completely before you store in a cookie jar.
Don't forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for later. You can also find a collection of my tutorials and recipes here on Pinterest.
Crumbly Chocolate Pecan Cookies
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Ingredients
- 128 grams (1.00 cups) All-purpose flour
- 100 grams (1.00 cups) Pecan meal (ground pecans)
- 50 grams (0.50 cups) Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 100 grams (0.50 cups) Light brown sugar
- ½ tsp. (0.5 tsp) salt
- ½ tsp (0.5 tsp) Baking powder
- 228 grams (1 cups) Unsalted butter chilled cut into cubes
- 1 (1 ) Egg large
- 1 tsp. (1 tsp) Vanilla extract
- 50 grams (0.50 cups) Pecans chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven at 180C / 356 F.
- Add all dry ingredients in a food processor - flour, ground pecans, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Give it a few pulses to mix.
- Add chilled butter.
- Pulse just until crumbly.
- Add egg and vanilla.
- Pulse a few times to combine (there will still be some dry flour but do not overmix).
- Transfer to a bowl and bring together to form a dough.
- Roll into similar size balls.
- Press each ball into the chopped pecans.
- Place the cookies on a baking tray.
- Baked for 8 to 10 minutes until bottom is lightly golden.
- Cool on a wire rack completely before you store in a cookie jar.
Equipment
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you
Marisa Franca
I prefer crisp or crumbly cookies so I guess I'm on your MIL's side. I'm looking at them at thinking how good they would taste with a cup of coffee this afternoon. I think they would be great to give as gifts at Christmas time. The firm cookie holds up better than soft so they'd keep well.
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Marisa. I'm on my MILs side too. Definitely perfect for Christmas gifts.
Jyothi(Jo)
Crumbly cookies are surprisingly my favorite kind of cookie. I love the cookies with nuts on top, so this cookie definitely is a winner! Saving it. With holiday baking season just around, we need more and more cookie options
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Jyothi. Me too love cookies with nuts.
Renz
Ooh.. i'm loving these cookies. I love cookies.. lol. I like that these are crumbly. I'm hoping i can make some this year. Thanks for sharing
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Renz. I hope you try these.
Mahy Elamin
This chocolate cookie looks so cute! Great recipe. I like all the ingredients in it. This is perfect for me. thank you.
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Mahy - I hope you try these.
Michelle
You had me at cookies! They are my favorite dessert and I'm definitely craving these little ones!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Michelle. I love these little ones too.
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness
I haven't bought pecans for so long. These cookies are looking like a good excuse to buy some again!
Veena Azmanov
We always have pecans here at home. Our absolute favorite.
Claudia Lamascolo
I never met a chocolate cookies I didnt love but these have a bonus for me here with pecans because thats a match made in heaven for me!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Claudia. I'm very picky about my cookies. I think you will enjoy this.