Autumn Butter Pecan Cookies

The wonderful flavors of autumn are beckoning to us. Like the change in the seasons, we also get a change in the fruits and vegetables that are in abundance this time of the year. Pumpkin, the super food, is one of my all time favorites. If only I could convince my family to give it a try. Maybe I'll make something with pumpkin today. We are going to Mexican Train tonight and I can share with the geezers and geezerettes.

But right now, I'm going to tell you about this yummy cookie that is full of another autumn treat.... pecans. Georgia is famous for their peaches and pecans. And that means there are a gazillion recipes floating around.

This one is easy, fast, and delicious.

Ingredients for Cookie Batter:
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg, beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups finely chopped pecans

Ingredients for Filling:
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped pecans
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 325 degrees. Grease cookie sheet with shortening or cooking spray, or line with cooking parchment.

2. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup butter, the egg and vanilla with electric mixer on low speed. Stir in 1-1/2 cups flour, the baking soda and salt. Stir in 1-1/2 cups pecans.

3. In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and 1 cup pecans. Stir in 2 tablespoons butter with fork until mixture is crumbly.

4. Shape dough into 1-1/2 inch balls. Place 2 inches a part on cookie sheet. Slightly press into center. Fill each indentation with about 1 teaspoon of filling.

5. Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Cool 5 minutes, remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack.

6. I drizzled mine with a little melted chocolate. YUM