Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. You should notice a creamy, slightly glossy texture and a sweet aroma filling the kitchen.
1 cup unsalted butter
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. The batter will momentarily look a bit separated but will come back together as you proceed. This step helps incorporate air and build structure for the cookies.
1 cup unsalted butter
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. The dough will become thick and slightly sticky, and you'll notice it pulling away from the sides of the bowl.
1 cup unsalted butter
Fold in the toasted pecans, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and caramel bits using a spatula or wooden spoon. Distribute the mix-ins evenly throughout the dough, ensuring each spoonful has a good balance of ingredients, which will give the cookies their texture and flavor bursts.
1 cup unsalted butter
Scoop approximately two tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press down on each ball slightly to help them spread evenly while baking. The cookies should look plump and inviting.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crisp, while the centers remain soft and slightly gooey. You'll smell a warm, caramelized aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes to set their shape. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. The cookies will further firm up and develop that perfect crispy edge with a chewy center.
Once cooled, enjoy these fragrant cookies with their a caramelized aroma and a satisfying combination of crunch and chewiness. They are perfect for sharing or indulging on a cozy day.
