When I was sharing over at Taters and Tales I started a Memory Monday post once a month because so many foods remind me of people in my life. Whether it is something they made for me or a meal we had together, certain foods can transport me to a place or feeling. It is these people and foods that inspire me. This month’s memory is all about the sweetest lady I have ever known, Grandma Pearl. I seriously smile to myself every time I think of her because she was so amazing and had such a huge impact on my life in so many ways. If I had to describe grandma in one word, it would be SELFLESS. She lived her life for everyone around her. She was teaching me about parenthood, life and food even when she didn’t know she was doing it. I could literally write a book {and maybe someday I will} about her and what she meant to my kids and I.
Grandma Pearl’s chocolate chip cookies were the best partially because of the love she put into each batch but also because of her secret ingredient…instant pudding mix. They literally melted in your mouth because they were so moist and chewy. These cookies are quite a bit different than her version but a good cookie recipe always reminds me of her. The milk chocolate and buttered pecans make them extra special…just like grandma Pearl. These are the perfect chocolate chip cookie for fall! In the spirit of all things cookies, I have dedicated a post to my top 10 Cookie Baking Basics.
Butter Pecan & Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 sticks butter {melted}
- 1 cup brown sugar {packed}
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup buttered pecans {see below}
- 18 pecan halves, for decoration {optional}
Instructions
- Buttered Pecans: Add pecans and 2 tablespoons of butter in a sauce pan over medium heat. Cook over stove for 2-4 minutes or until the pecans are fragrant and toasted. Set aside.
- Cookies: In a large bowl combine flour, cornstarch, salt and baking soda, whisk to combine and remove any lumps. Add melted butter to another bowl, along with both sugars and whisk until smooth. Add in vanilla. Eat in eggs, one at a time, beating until eggs are just combined. Fold in flour mixture until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips and buttered pecans. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours.
- To bake: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper {or spray with nonstick spray}. Scoop tablespoon sized rounds of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie for spreading. Firmly press a pecan half on top of each cookie ball, if desired. Bake in preheated oven for 9 minutes {or until edges are set and center is still slightly jiggly}. Allow cookies to cool on pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to cooling rack.
Notes
