Woman Holding a Chocolate Pecan Cookie

Chocolate Pecan Cookies

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Shhhh….we’ve got a secret. Our friend Rachel Dunston‘s recipe for Chocolate Pecan Cookies is actually healthy-ish! We won’t tell if you don’t.

Rachel Dunston holding a plate of Chocolate Pecan Cookies

Why we love this Chocolate Pecan Cookies recipe

Pecan Cookies are one of our favorites – not only during the holiday season, but all year round! Rachel adds chocolate to the batter (always a good idea) and then employs one of our favorite healthy swaps – replacing some of the oil with prune purée.

Want to try this healthy hack on some of your favorite recipes? Learn how to swap prune purée for some of the fat, oil and sugar in recipes!

Your Guide to Healthier Baking

You might assume that swapping prune purée for butter would result in a less desirable flavor and texture. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Prune purée adds depth of flavor, enhancing the rich chocolate flavor of the cookie without overwhelming it. Another perk – prune purée adds moisture to baked goods and can help to extend their shelf life!

Woman breaking open a chocolate Pecan Cookie
a chocolate pecan cookie on a plate with a glass of milk

Are Pecan Cookies healthy?

These Pecan Cookies are healthier than their traditional counterparts. Adding prune purée doesn’t just enhance the flavor of these cookies, it improves their nutritional profile. Prunes are a healthy powerhouse and provide many essential vitamins and minerals that will level up the nutritional value of any recipe! They are low glycemic and loaded with fiber, polyphenols, boron, potassium, and Vitamin K which collectively can contribute to gut health, reduced inflammation, cancer prevention, blood sugar control, bone health, and reduced cholesterol!

a plate of chocolate pecan cookies

Chocolate Pecan Cookies

Rachel Dunston
Shhhh….we've got a secret. Our friend Rachel Dunston's recipe for Chocolate Pecan Cookies is actually healthy-ish! We won't tell if you don't.
4.34 from 6 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cool Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 258 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cup white granulated sugar
  • 6 TBSP vegetable oil
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cup prune puree
  • 4 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 2/3 cups all purpose flour or plain flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 standard bag semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 cups chopped pecans
  • flaked sea salt for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 cookie sheets or baking trays with parchment paper (baking paper).
  • Bring water to a boil. Measure out 2/3 cup (160 ml) boiling water and soak 2 cups (300g) of pitted prunes for about 15 min. Add water and prunes to a food processor and pulse until combined in a puree. Measure out 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) of puree.
  • In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, white sugar, prune puree and vegetable oil. Beat in eggs and vanilla until fully incorporated.
  • Add the flour, baking powder, and salt; stir the dry ingredients first before mixing them through the wet ingredients until a dough forms (do not over beat). Fold in the chocolate chips and pecans.
  • Use a small ice cream scoop to make dough balls and place onto prepared baking sheets. Press them down in the center.
  • Bake in hot preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The cookies will come out soft from the oven but will harden up as they cool. (Be careful not to over bake as they will dry out.) Sprinkle warm cookies with a bit of sea salt.
  • Allow to cool on the cookie sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool.
    Woman Holding a Chocolate Pecan Cookie

Notes

Chocolate Pecan Cookies are an excellent DIY holiday gift! Make a cookie tray with the following holiday treats:
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Sugar Plum Cookies
Traditional Sugar Plums
Panforte

Nutrition

Calories: 258kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 124mgPotassium: 202mgFiber: 3gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chewy cookies, chocolate, Holiday, pecan, rachel dunston
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