These Chocolate Chip Cookie Pecan Pie Bars merge the chewy sweetness of chocolate chip cookies with the rich, gooey decadence of pecan pie. A buttery cookie crust holds a caramel-like pecan filling that bakes into luscious layers that slice beautifully into bars. They’re festive, indulgent, and surprisingly simple to prepare—perfect for holidays, bake sales, potlucks, and gifting.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it offers the best of both worlds: the nostalgic comfort of homemade chocolate chip cookies and the warm, nutty sweetness of classic pecan pie. The layers bake into a dessert that is sweet, soft, crunchy, and beautifully rich. These bars travel well, cool well, freeze well, and feed a crowd with ease.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Pecan Pie Bars

There is something magical about combining two beloved desserts into one indulgent creation, and these Chocolate Chip Cookie Pecan Pie Bars embody that magic perfectly. Imagine the soft, chewy texture of a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie merging seamlessly with the caramel-like richness of a pecan pie filling—every bite becomes a delightful experience layered with sweetness, crunch, and warmth.

During the holiday season, desserts that feel nostalgic and comforting always take center stage, and this recipe delivers that nostalgic comfort while adding something new and exciting. The chocolate chip cookie base introduces a familiar flavor many grew up loving, while the glossy pecan topping brings the traditional Southern pecan pie richness to life. The contrast of textures—soft and gooey on the bottom, crunchy and nutty on top—creates an irresistible pairing that feels festive without being complicated.

These bars are especially appealing for holiday baking because they slice neatly, making them perfect for dessert platters, gift boxes, and potluck tables. Instead of fussing with a traditional pie crust, the cookie layer bakes quickly, holds its shape, and adds a delicious twist that dessert lovers can’t resist. Whether you serve them warm with vanilla ice cream or chilled straight from the refrigerator, the flavor remains bold, satisfying, and deeply comforting.

One of the reasons this recipe stands out is its ease. Both components—cookie base and pecan topping—use pantry staples and require no special equipment beyond a mixer. Even beginner bakers can achieve a dessert that looks bakery-worthy and tastes even better. The cookie dough’s sweetness enhances the pecan mixture, creating a balance that is indulgent but not overly sugary.

These bars also shine as a make-ahead dessert, which makes them ideal for busy holiday weeks and large gatherings. They cool beautifully, slice cleanly after chilling, and even improve in flavor as they rest. That means less stress in the kitchen and more time enjoying the celebration.

The pecan layer itself is glossy, buttery, and loaded with crunchy pecans that toast as they bake. Combined with the caramelized sugars and light corn syrup, the filling bakes into a soft, custard-like top that contrasts beautifully with the cookie crust underneath. Each bite gives you everything: chewiness, crunch, melted chocolate, and rich, nutty sweetness.

You can also customize these bars depending on your preferences. Want extra chocolate? Add more chips. Prefer a deeper nuttiness? Toast the pecans before mixing. Want thicker bars? Bake in a smaller pan. Every variation adds new depth without compromising the dessert’s classic charm.

These bars travel exceptionally well, making them perfect for potlucks, office gatherings, family dinners, and holiday events. Pack them in tins for gifting or slice small squares for treat boxes—no one can resist the combination of chocolate chips and pecans baked together.

In the end, these Chocolate Chip Cookie Pecan Pie Bars deliver exactly what people crave during the holidays: sweetness, nostalgia, comfort, and a touch of decadence. They’re incredibly satisfying, visually appealing, and guaranteed to become a dessert tradition your family will request year after year.

To top it all off, these bars embody everything people love about gooey holiday treats, making them a staple for anyone who wants a dessert that feels both homemade and luxurious. Whether you enjoy them warm or cold, these bars truly celebrate the heart of festive baking.

Servings & Time

Servings: 18–24 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50–60 minutes total
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

Cookie Crust

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1 cup (2 sticks) margarine, softened

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1 cup white sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla

• 2 1/4 cups flour

Pecan Layer

• 1 1/2 cups white sugar

• 4 eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla

• 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup

• 2 1/2 cups chopped pecans

• 3 tablespoons margarine, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 pan with foil; spray with nonstick spray.

2. Stir flour and baking soda together in a large bowl.

3. Beat margarine, brown sugar, and white sugar on medium until fluffy.

4. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until combined.

5. Slowly mix in dry ingredients on low speed.

6. Stir in chocolate chips.

7. Press dough evenly into the prepared pan.

8. Bake crust for 20–25 minutes until edges are golden and center is soft.

9. In another bowl, whisk eggs, corn syrup, sugar, melted margarine, and vanilla until smooth.

10. Stir in chopped pecans.

11. Pour pecan mixture evenly over the cookie crust.

12. Return to oven and bake 25–35 minutes until pecan topping is browned and set.

13. Cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator.

14. Slice and serve.

Tips

Ingredient Substitutions

• Replace margarine with butter for richer flavor.

• Use dark corn syrup for deeper caramel notes.

• Swap pecans with walnuts or mix both for variety.

• Add extra chocolate chips to the pecan layer for double chocolate bars.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Bars can be made 1–2 days in advance and stored chilled.

• Refrigerate up to 5 days in an airtight container.

• Freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.

• Slice only after chilling for clean edges.

Serving Variations

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

• Drizzle melted chocolate on top for presentation.

• Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.

• Add a pinch of cinnamon to the pecan layer for holiday flavor.

Avoid Common Mistakes

• Don’t overbake the cookie crust or it will turn dry.

• Ensure the pecan layer is fully mixed to prevent uneven setting.

• Always chill before slicing—otherwise bars may fall apart.

• Avoid using whipped margarine; it affects texture.