Chewy Pecan Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• Extra pecan halves for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.
6. Shape the Cookies: Scoop dough (about 2 tablespoons per cookie) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a pecan half into the center of each cookie, if desired.
7. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Do not overbake; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
8. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve: Enjoy your chewy pecan cookies with a glass of milk or coffee!