You can’t go wrong with a combination of chocolate, pecans, and butterscotch, can you? This is what inspired me to turn what was once a recipe for brownies into cookies—and I must say they’ve probably eclipsed the original idea in popularity. It’s a great make-ahead treat that can easily be turned into a delicious gift. This fudgy cookie recipe is adored by both kids and adults. If you're looking for a special treat to tempt the Santa at your house, these cookies just might guarantee you'll find the keys to a new car in your stocking. (One can dream, right?)
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the unsalted butter or dairy-free shortening, cane sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, beating at high speed about 4 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, making sure the first egg is well incorporated before adding the second one.
In a second mixing bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder together. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredient, mixing at low speed just until incorporated. Using a spatula, fold in the dark chocolate chips and chopped pecans. The mixture will be quite stiff at this stage.
Drop the dough by heaping tablespoon-fuls on the parchment paper-lined baking sheets, spacing cookies 2-inches (5 cm) from one another. (Using a mini ice cream scoop makes this step quick and easy.) Press some butterscotch chips and finely chopped pecans onto each cookie dough mound, slightly flattening each cooking mound in the process. Sprinkle with a touch
of fleur de sel. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until puffed and just set. Cool completely on wire racks.
SERVING
Bring back to room temperature before serving, or even better, reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to get that delightful freshly baked flavor again.
STORAGE
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies in an airtight storage bag or container for up to 2 months.
Want to make the brownies version of these cookies? Head over here: Brownies in a Jar