Chocolate chip, raisin, pecan cookies.

I am starting to think about the holidays and the lovely baking and cooking ahead. So, around this time of year I spend way too much time looking through cookbooks, food blogs , magazines and drooling over all the possibilities. So, in the mean time I wanted to make something easy, fast and tasty... a big old cookie. 

These cookies are adapted from non other than Martha and are so easy to make. You could  switch out different kinds of fruit and nuts and omit the chocolate chips if you wanted. Even adding in some citrus zest or juice could add all kinds of flavors. I choose, pecans, raisins and chocolate chips...but let your imagination run wild. That is if you are not already focused on pumpkin, cinnamon and apple tarts like I am.

Just make sure that you have a giant glass of milk and a smile waiting!

Ne Plus Ultra Cookies

Adapted ever so slightly from Martha Stewart's Cookies

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

2 large eggs

1 & 1/4 cup all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup chocolate chips ( I used semisweet)

1 cup raisins

1 and 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 F. Put butter and sugars in the bowl of an electric mixer and mix on medium speed until fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs and mix until well combined

Sift flour, salt, and baking soda into a bowl and add to the butter mixture on low speed until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips, raisins, and pecans. ( Or whatever combination of additions you want.)

Transfer about one inch balls of dough to a parchment lined baking sheet, spacing about 1 and 1/2 inches apart. Bake until golden brown about 15 to 17 minutes. Check and rotate cookies halfway. Let cool on a wire rack. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for about 3 to 3 days. 

Enjoy while you are planning your holiday goodies... I did!!!