Lakehouse Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

Twenty-five years ago when I first joined the Lake family, I quickly learned a few things.

1. Sweet tea is the ONLY way to drink tea

2. Lake’s LOVE to bake

That’s all it took to know I was destined to be a Lake.  I mean, is there anything better than good food AND sweet tea!  Over the years we’ve shared many moments gathered around the table, and as our family has grown, these treasured traditions have been passed along to our children.  My nieces amaze me with their gifts of hospitality and food presentation.

One of the first recipes I recall asking my mother-in-law Beverly to share, was for her coveted chocolate chip cookies.  These are so easy to make and stand out from any other recipe.  They are always a crowd-pleaser and my go-to potluck dessert.  My most memorable delivery of cookies was for the Labor & Delivery and NICU staff at the hospital after the premature birth of my son.  After experiencing pregnancy complications, my son was born three months early which earned him an eight-week all-inclusive stay in the NICU.  At the time, delivering a basket of ten dozen cookies for the hospital staff seemed like such a small token of thanks.  It wasn’t until years later that I learned how much it had meant to the staff after receiving a Facebook message from a friend asking if I was the one who had delivered cookies to the hospital.

Just as we’ve shared these cookies with so many over the years, our family is sharing Beverly’s recipe with you.  Our only request is that you also gift a dozen or two….or three.

Enjoy!

Barbie Lake

Heat oven to 350°F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Combine the dry ingredients.  In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt until combined.  Set aside.

Cream together the Crisco and sugars.  In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the Crisco and sugars with a stand mixer or handheld mixer on medium-high speed about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Can we stop a minute to brag on this Mixer Lift!  This kitchen star not only frees up counter space but also provides easy to access storage when not in use.  

Add egg then vanilla.  Mix on medium speed until combined, about 1 minute.

Add in the dry ingredients.  Beat on medium-low speed until just combined.

Fold in the chocolate chips and pecans.  Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix in the chocolate chips and pecans by hand until they are evenly combined.

If you are like me and think there can never be too many chocolate chips … pour in a little more for good measure! 

Same for pecans…. keep adding until it’s nutty perfect! 

Perfection! 

Shape.  Use a cookie scoop to shape dough into balls that are 1-inch in diameter.  Place them on a baking sheet that is covered with either parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Bake.  For about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly crispy and the tops of the cookies are very lightly golden.  The centers may look slightly undercooked.

Cool.  Remove the cookies and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.  Then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Serve!  The wait is over!  It’s time to dive in while they’re nice and warm and ooey-gooey chocolatey.   These display lovely on the kitchen counter but don’t expect them to last long.  You may want to hide a few for later!

[tasty-recipe id=”1269″]