Notes from my Kitchen – Roadtrip Pecan Cookies

Each year after pecan season, we take a road trip to our neighbouring country to celebrate my brother’s birthday. I take a batch of biscotti and these delicious chocolate and pecan biscuits for our family reunion that has become a special time for us at a very special place. What better way to use the fruits of our local harvest.

I have adapted this recipe from one I found in a magazine many years back. The dough is tricky to work with so I have a good way to use it: I make 2 types of biscuits. The first kind is cut out of the thinly rolled dough, baked and sandwiched with melted chocolate. The second kind is made from the off cuts of dough, rolled into balls, flattened with a fork and the bottom coated with chocolate. I do leave some for younger children and those who prefer a plain biscuit.

150g pecan nuts

200g butter

200g castor sugar

10g packet vanilla sugar

1t almond extract

300g cake flour

1t ground cinnamon

100g chocolate

1t butter

1t cream

Using a food processor, grind the pecan nuts. Set aside and use the same processor to cream the butter and sugar. 

Add the flour and cinnamon and blend until a hard dough forms. Cover in cling wrap and chill in the fridge for an hour.

Preheat the oven to 180C. Place the dough in the freezer for 20 minutes. Line 3 biscuit trays with non-stick paper.

Using a little dough at a time, roll it out onto a floured surface. Cut out round shapes and place on the tray. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the tray once baked and cool on a wire rack.

With the off cuts of dough, roll balls and place on a tray. Flatten with a fork and bake for 18 minutes until golden. Remove from the tray and cool on a wire rack.

Melt the chocolate, cream and butter in a microwave for about 30-40 seconds. Add a little extra milk to smooth the chocolate.

Once the biscuits have cooled, sandwich the round ones together. Then place chocolate on the bottom of the flattened balls. Allow the chocolate to set and store in an airtight container. These are delicious any time of the day!