Pecan, Chocolate & Oatmeal Cookies

<span id="goog_2134285936"></span><span id="goog_2134285937"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemYFCf5i1Fg4dsWyhkhmnZFPf3INnpddY4tH-w3W92AM5hOHd-bkmBZn5gS0ZSVbtygwGIYSX_DETHM9XG5kAZHcQFujfUX0e4cPU983_fJFRtvilFiIjnihmW17Nu9zchkjmM9BinZo/s1600/IMG_9022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemYFCf5i1Fg4dsWyhkhmnZFPf3INnpddY4tH-w3W92AM5hOHd-bkmBZn5gS0ZSVbtygwGIYSX_DETHM9XG5kAZHcQFujfUX0e4cPU983_fJFRtvilFiIjnihmW17Nu9zchkjmM9BinZo/s640/IMG_9022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />This is a great cookie.  It is thick and chewy, full of oatmeal, pecans and chocolate chips.  It is a real stick-to-your-ribs kind of cookie... if there is such a thing.  A touch of cinnamon in the dough makes it just right for this time of year.  I make these when I want the house to smell great (cinnamon) and I am craving a big, giant cookie that will help satisfy my seemingly never-ending hunger (oatmeal = healthy... right?). <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6yr57LOt1uQMkoHrYMXKwICVSz7HoWBWMq1Vzw5tCaP6OQglvu1V4L8qILkh1IL9VsJxKerAxB-KDyo2uBiwREci6LY-EkZpja8A3GpwUI8CJQ34ki4GanMUECoTeMnsdD2W6ATc5hE/s1600/IMG_9039.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6yr57LOt1uQMkoHrYMXKwICVSz7HoWBWMq1Vzw5tCaP6OQglvu1V4L8qILkh1IL9VsJxKerAxB-KDyo2uBiwREci6LY-EkZpja8A3GpwUI8CJQ34ki4GanMUECoTeMnsdD2W6ATc5hE/s400/IMG_9039.jpg" width="300" /></a>I've been pre-baking for the holidays and for the upcoming visits from our family (baby's almost here!) and I know my Dad will love these cookies.  He's the type that likes cookies that are jammed packed with anything you can think of - nuts, chocolate, butterscotch, peanut butter, raisins...  So, I will bake some now, then freeze the rest in pre-formed balls to have around the house when we have company.  Talk about nesting... our freezer is stocked!  I'll talk more about that later and give you my list for what to have in your freezer and in your pantry.   <br /><br />As I've mentioned before, Mike loves chocolate chip cookies.  He only loves chocolate chip cookies.  Don't get me wrong - he enjoys (and devours) all of the cookies I make (even the peanut butter ones that he says he doesn't like), but chocolate chip cookies are his absolute favorite.  Every once-in-a-while I sneak a cookie like this into the routine... hey it has chocolate chips in it!<br /><br />Package these up for a great gift for friends, neighbors, teachers or co-workers!  I placed a square of parchment paper between each cookie, then put them in a <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging">clear cello bag</a> (you can buy here in <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging">my online store</a>!).  I tied the "Pecan, Chocolate & Oatmeal Cookie" label on with Martha Stewart Crafts red and white twine from Michaels. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ULiyRCteMvCiiDu985m2EeAvK70Do1xp5g1jjtZn1giFsc0nFBiUlOpOk4WnDuE8X1-mEqJgD02u1fkIYwfTowpOGq2GKZ9xIBHe19TNDmcFwkKElRADOrV5L6rWrI4shYCsoGf9dmc/s1600/IMG_9024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ULiyRCteMvCiiDu985m2EeAvK70Do1xp5g1jjtZn1giFsc0nFBiUlOpOk4WnDuE8X1-mEqJgD02u1fkIYwfTowpOGq2GKZ9xIBHe19TNDmcFwkKElRADOrV5L6rWrI4shYCsoGf9dmc/s320/IMG_9024.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;">Pecan, Chocolate & Oatmeal Cookies</span><br /><i>grown-up chocolate chip cookies</i><br /><br />1 1/2 cups pecans <br />1/2 pound butter, soften to room temperature <br />1 cup brown sugar <br />1 cup sugar <br />2 eggs<br />2 teaspoons vanilla<br />1 1/2 cups flour <br />1 teaspoon baking powder <br />1 teaspoon ground cinnamon <br />1 teaspoon salt <br />3 cups old-fashioned oatmeal <br />1 1/2 cups chocolate chips<br /><br />Begin by toasting the pecans by placing them on a baking sheet and putting them into a 350 degree oven for 5 minutes.  Remove them and chop them into small pieces.<br /><br />For the dough, cream together butter, brown sugar and sugar for a couple of minutes until light and fluffy.  Add eggs and vanilla.  On low, add flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in.  Mix until just incorporated.  Slowly stir in oatmeal, chocolate chips and pecans.  When combined, scoop the cookies out onto a parchment lined baking sheet (you can buy my favorite <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/parchment-paper-sheets-200-sheets">here</a>!).  I like to use a 2" ice cream scoop.  Flatten them slightly with your hand to help them bake easily - they are thick cookies and will not spread too much.<br /><br />Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYWXBXavT4QHaGuCsj9D7tFI2eGEBqoTh8kKJHWE_4eLLke9dQbyKkAGmboffXiXPNHUQHfbdAUoSyydpVTN9iwtK5oIB5vayPcme9w0cSZOWjbAr3y6PqbcAD9HgsYujyF1W3xov_e4/s1600/IMG_9034.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYWXBXavT4QHaGuCsj9D7tFI2eGEBqoTh8kKJHWE_4eLLke9dQbyKkAGmboffXiXPNHUQHfbdAUoSyydpVTN9iwtK5oIB5vayPcme9w0cSZOWjbAr3y6PqbcAD9HgsYujyF1W3xov_e4/s640/IMG_9034.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>

Pecan, Chocolate & Oatmeal Cookies

This is a great cookie.  It is thick and chewy, full of oatmeal, pecans and chocolate chips.  It is a real stick-to-your-ribs kind of cookie...

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Monkey Bread | Homemade Gift Ideas for the Holidays

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRP9Vc27GfzVp5Z6R7D4bsKdCp9WpF3beand35qWrBILjt277L6mHdWojlA0tZOu9PZKaNSY6ipt93qhagUAKEeQtjVMEBf9P9043gOw5-2Jcv5NDEXMEh5GfLL0h3_j6RbfK7ImVqObI/s1600/IMG_8973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRP9Vc27GfzVp5Z6R7D4bsKdCp9WpF3beand35qWrBILjt277L6mHdWojlA0tZOu9PZKaNSY6ipt93qhagUAKEeQtjVMEBf9P9043gOw5-2Jcv5NDEXMEh5GfLL0h3_j6RbfK7ImVqObI/s1600/IMG_8973.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRP9Vc27GfzVp5Z6R7D4bsKdCp9WpF3beand35qWrBILjt277L6mHdWojlA0tZOu9PZKaNSY6ipt93qhagUAKEeQtjVMEBf9P9043gOw5-2Jcv5NDEXMEh5GfLL0h3_j6RbfK7ImVqObI/s640/IMG_8973.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvF4cGyritSyLl1NVoMpWMI3vIvTKvA86PnRYkbcnzwf17ga3Ezu74SP1v65Eibr2AXjuGBUMz-60IbCwVkfJ65ZbqyR3ZMz0wXAfTJAG1fYxXktNzP0C-2m3UI96IBiNrWTjJgzonvfo/s1600/IMG_8988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />Monkey Bread has been a family tradition of ours since, well... my entire life.  On Christmas Eve, we would come home from Granny's house and make the Monkey Bread for the next morning (as you'll see from the instructions, it only takes minutes to make).  Waking up on Christmas morning to the smell of yeast bread rising is such a good memory.  Even now as 30-year-old+ adults, Monkey Bread is still a Christmas tradition.<br /><br />My Mom made Monkey Bread from frozen Rhodes Dinner Rolls.  She rolled them in butter, cinnamon and sugar, put them in a bundt pan and let them thaw and rise over night.  When we woke up in the morning it went into the oven for 30 minutes.  The gooey, warm rolls were too much to resist... we were licking cinnamon and sugar off of our fingers before we were done opening presents!  They are our annual Pre-Christmas morning Brunch snack... an appetizer.    <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvF4cGyritSyLl1NVoMpWMI3vIvTKvA86PnRYkbcnzwf17ga3Ezu74SP1v65Eibr2AXjuGBUMz-60IbCwVkfJ65ZbqyR3ZMz0wXAfTJAG1fYxXktNzP0C-2m3UI96IBiNrWTjJgzonvfo/s1600/IMG_8988.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvF4cGyritSyLl1NVoMpWMI3vIvTKvA86PnRYkbcnzwf17ga3Ezu74SP1v65Eibr2AXjuGBUMz-60IbCwVkfJ65ZbqyR3ZMz0wXAfTJAG1fYxXktNzP0C-2m3UI96IBiNrWTjJgzonvfo/s400/IMG_8988.JPG" width="400" /></a><br /><br />This holiday season, share your Monkey Bread with your friends, neighbors and co-workers as a homemade gift.  I baked this Monkey Bread in a <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/products/monkey-bread-pans-paper-disposable" target="_blank">disposable baking bundt pan </a><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/products/monkey-bread-pans-paper-disposable">(available in my store, 4 for $14)</a> and wrapped it in cellophane and satin ribbon. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Monkey Bread</span><br /><i>a christmas morning tradition</i><br /><br />1 package of frozen uncooked yeast rolls (Rhodes brand)<br />1 stick of butter, melted<br />1 cup of brown sugar<br />2 tablespoons of cinnamon<br /><br />Spray a bundt pan with non-stick spray.  Melt the butter in the microwave.  In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon.  Roll the frozen rolls in the butter, then in the sugar mixture.  Place all of the coated rolls in the bundt pan.  Place a towel over the pan of rolls and place it in a warm spot over night to rise.<br /><br />Rolls should have doubled in size in the morning.  Bake them at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6c2v8MvNs7ZhzQkiPpSNDkXwscEcSYF9gxMuHWF3ttzpuW-gHEm6NI1O2wjmXPqczvfjliWDNGXyeywd32taumkuanY9S60OukeCN_TM76Q6oJU0Z9RvNFT8ZGC0Z7hllxGF_BK_NGiY/s1600/IMG_8967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6c2v8MvNs7ZhzQkiPpSNDkXwscEcSYF9gxMuHWF3ttzpuW-gHEm6NI1O2wjmXPqczvfjliWDNGXyeywd32taumkuanY9S60OukeCN_TM76Q6oJU0Z9RvNFT8ZGC0Z7hllxGF_BK_NGiY/s640/IMG_8967.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7784VMBfaDDL-Gaheu_mfZ8kB2HrtxlyqZa953AzyZcP5ePhtGSjl8h_QKOSHul1My7K3sQaMJObNqkETa4_wyvo0SYfNZNP2wVhHohwBAXI-sy2b9JGiU5vWFzhvwBBMXhS3pvceJI/s1600/IMG_8992.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7784VMBfaDDL-Gaheu_mfZ8kB2HrtxlyqZa953AzyZcP5ePhtGSjl8h_QKOSHul1My7K3sQaMJObNqkETa4_wyvo0SYfNZNP2wVhHohwBAXI-sy2b9JGiU5vWFzhvwBBMXhS3pvceJI/s640/IMG_8992.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br />

Monkey Bread | Homemade Gift Ideas for the Holidays

Monkey Bread has been a family tradition of ours since, well... my entire life.  On Christmas Eve, we would come home from Granny's hous...

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Recipes | Chocolate Pecan Biscotti | Homemade Holiday Gifts

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIhJv46xiOsgQfj-De5720HdfyH4X1V9OYzlE9esY0TdCnVxRMTlpifvaGDQ87WYP3mj9BlBses51xkLtUZc2xXg053gx9YYKZm6Aqf2UGyhpH5l4os2BCPAVunG35JNm28BwrpIYQtbt/s1600/IMG_2852_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIhJv46xiOsgQfj-De5720HdfyH4X1V9OYzlE9esY0TdCnVxRMTlpifvaGDQ87WYP3mj9BlBses51xkLtUZc2xXg053gx9YYKZm6Aqf2UGyhpH5l4os2BCPAVunG35JNm28BwrpIYQtbt/s640/IMG_2852_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we were in Italy, we started every morning with a cappuccino and biscotti - a great way to start the day... and they will last for weeks!  I also love the idea of packaging these for gifts.  I know a lot of adults that groan when receiving cookies because they are too indulgent - but a biscotti with a cup of coffee?  It's the perfect grown-up treat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Optima;">Chocolate & Pecan Biscotti</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Optima;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Optima;">2 cups of flour</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Optima;"><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup of cocoa</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tsp of baking soda</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tsp of salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup of butter, softened</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 1/4 cup of sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 eggs</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 1/2 pecans</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup of chocolate chips</div></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Optima;">powdered sugar</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Optima;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbR3B8UmHCmDngeX25PCbWXUjUqWSemtuewcFCT1dDxJT1UHYpZv_FxGqwvo0SQARVkuxPgMKSQkq5XOxIp-ujAK-878xAy7n_pSrZ6-7CAjSifo5aQIxLNRMvnZn4N2T59h5WGKzx9E4N/s1600/IMG_2829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbR3B8UmHCmDngeX25PCbWXUjUqWSemtuewcFCT1dDxJT1UHYpZv_FxGqwvo0SQARVkuxPgMKSQkq5XOxIp-ujAK-878xAy7n_pSrZ6-7CAjSifo5aQIxLNRMvnZn4N2T59h5WGKzx9E4N/s320/IMG_2829.JPG" width="320" /></a>In a Kitchen Aid fitted with the paddle attachment, combine flour, cocoa, soda, and salt in  the mixing bowl. Add butter and sugar.  Mix.  Add in eggs, and mix until crumbly.  Add in pecans and chocolate chips.  Turn dough out onto floured board and shape into flat logs approx. 3 inches by 8 inches.  Bake on a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees.   Wait 15 minutes until cutting.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar before cutting.</div></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8lbOvxV825ALuHUJMBc7wCUR475-9nw77aol9QkW5RQmkUthGjAq-yiyY2bhbtHUsI8e2X71fM0Oexs1TO2aAv7LVL0I81cavUnLBBsZuFlpUITEPVm9uR6A0RN7HQXQ6Y7Rnq1z0FYi/s640/IMG_2883.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="452" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Biscotti as gifts<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Recipes | Chocolate Pecan Biscotti | Homemade Holiday Gifts

When we were in Italy, we started every morning with a cappuccino and biscotti - a great way to start the day... and they will last for week...

Read more »