If you asked me what my favorite thing to bake was, I’d probably say, “cookies!” I think it’s pretty safe to say they are my weakness. ;) I’m not a cake person, just ask my family what I insist on for every-single-birthday. {Dutch apple pie with vanilla bean ice cream! Yes, I know that is not a cookie, but you get the picture.} Ok back to cookies.

Besides my Christmas cookies, which we refer to in our family as “papa cookies” {long story for another time.} These dark chocolate chip cookies with pecans are a favorite for me and of course my husband loves them too. The best part is that they come together pretty quickly and bake up nicely. Not too thick, not too thin. Just right! Also, they freeze great! Just let them cool and store them in a freezer ziplock bag and you have some fresh cookies if company stops by!

Personally, I think one of the most important things to do when baking is to use quality ingredients. I know as a home baker I am no expert, but I do believe that you will taste a difference in your finished product. In these cookies I use Guittard dark chocolate chips, but you could use semi sweet or milk chocolate if you prefer. If you’re looking for a sweeter cookie, semi-sweet or milk chocolate are better choices. And if you are looking for a real treat, try using both milk and dark chocolate chips.

A little tip for baking cookies is to pick up a few good quality baking sheets, {they don’t have to be expensive to be “good quality” –I’ve found several very good baking sheets at Home Goods.} I don’t bother spraying or buttering the pans, I just use a piece of parchment paper. I LOVE parchment paper and use it for EVERYTHING. If you are near a Costco, they have a two pack of really great parchment paper that will last you pretty much forever and it’s double, no tripe the amount for half the price. I call that a win-win. :)

What you need:

• 1 cup of butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2 1/2 all purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1tsp baking soda
• 1 heaping cup of dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup of chopped pecans

Cream your butter and sugars. Add in eggs and vanilla. Beat until fluffy.  In a separate bowl, whisk flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Add wet and dry ingredients together. Add in chocolate chips and pecans and mix until just incorporated. Optional: top lightly with  fleur de sel {flake salt} before baking. Sweet and salty! Yum.

Scoop even size balls {I like to use a cookie scoop for these cookies.} and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Enjoy with a glass of milk. Or just eat them straight off the baking sheet, piping hot. ;)

xo,

Elizabeth