white chocolate pecan cookies

Are you looking for a holiday gift for a teacher, personal trainer, landscaper or even your neighbors? Nothing is more appreciated than a homemade gift of cookies. Everyone loves cookies, and the fact that you took time out of your busy schedule to create a gift especially for them makes it even more special.


Every year at Christmas time my family and friends anticipate their annual cookie basket. I fill each basket with various cookies wrapped in small cellophane bags and tied with a bow. Each basket is personalized with a favorite cookie or candy I know that they especially love or have requested in the past.

One year I was dropping off a basket to a dear friend, and her teenage son answered the door. His parents weren't home. I told him that I would be back when his parents got back home. I saw the cookie monster glint in his eyes and knew if I passed it to him my dear friend may never enjoy it!

A mere fifteen minutes later, I hear a knock at my door, answer it, and am greeted by a smiling teenager. "My parents are back and I was sent to retrieve the cookie basket." I smiled, handed it over, and prayed that it would make it home.

White Chocolate Pecan Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons Madagascar vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups (12 ounces) white chocolate chunks
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Directions:

Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer or in a stand mixer until creamy; gradually add sugars, beating well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in vanilla.

Combine flour and next 3 ingredients; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until blended. Stir in white chocolate chunks and pecans. Using a small ice cream scoop, drop dough onto cookie sheets lined with parchment or silpat.

Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes. Cool on baking sheets; remove to wire racks to cool completely