Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Step 1

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in chopped pecans and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until lightly toasted. Set aside until needed.

Step 2

In a saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue to cook the butter. swirling the pan occasionally. Keep a close eye here. The top of the butter should become foamy. And you should hear tiny popping noises. The butter will develop into a rich amber color, with tiny brown bits at the bottom. And it will have a slightly nutty aroma. Once the butter reaches this stage, remove from heat immediately and pour into a large mixing bowl.

Step 3

In a large bowl combine flour, salt, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder; whisk well to combine then set aside until needed.

Step 4

In a large bowl using a handheld electric mixer, or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine melted browned butter and both sugars and beat on medium-speed until well combined; about 1 minutes.

Step 5

Add in the vanilla and bourbon and beat until combined.

Step 6

Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating for 15 seconds after each addition. Turn mixer off. Using a wooden spoon or sturdy rubber spatula, gently fold in the flour, stirring only until the flour begins to disappear. Fold in the chocolate chunks and buttered pecans.

Step 7

Cover bowl and refrigerate for 4 hours.

Step 8

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 9

Using a large cookie scoop, divide the dough into 3-tablespoon sized balls and place onto prepared baking sheets, leaving about 3 inches between each ball of dough for spreading.

Step 10

Firmly press a pecan half on top of each ball of cookie dough.

Step 11

Bake, one tray at a time, in a preheated oven for 12 minutes, or until golden brown. If any edges spread out while baking, use a spatula and gently press them back in as soon as you remove the cookies from the oven.

Step 12

Press extra chocolate chunks and pecans pieces on top of warm cookies. Then sprinkle with sea salt.

Step 13

Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully transfer to a cooling rack.