Creating Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is simple if you follow these easy steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Pie Crust: Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges as desired.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until well combined.
6. Add Pecans: Fold in the pecan halves and chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed.
7. Pour Filling: Pour the chocolate pecan filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
8. Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes, or until the center is set.
9. Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour to set completely.
10. Slice and Serve: Once cooled, slice the pie and serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.

These steps will guide you in creating this incredible pie effortlessly!