I first tried this cookie at Scharffen-Berger Chocolate
Factory in Berkeley, CA. What I liked most about it was the
texture. I decided to try to reproduce it but never managed
to, and fortunately I came across the recipe in "Bittersweet", by
Alice Medrich who owns a bakery in Berkeley.
The point I made in an earlier post is that Silpat seems to
inhibit crisping, and browning in general - or maybe it's
just a particular type of browning (maillard?) - and that makes a
difference in the flavor and texture of this cookie.
Nibby Pecan Cookies
48 2-inch cookies
1 c pecan halves (other nuts are good, too)
1/2 lb unsalted butter
3/4 c sugar
1/4 t salt
4 t bourbon
1 1/2 t vanilla
1/2 c cocoa nibs
2 c all-purpose flour
Preheat oven to 325F.
Spread the pecans on a cookie sheet. Toast them in the oven for 7 or 8
minutes, or until fragrant. Let cool, then chop.
Combine the butter, sugar, salt, bourbon and vanilla in a medium bowl and
beat until smooth and creamy but not fluffy (about 1 minute with a mixer).
Stir or beat in the pecans and cocoa nibs. Turn off the mixer if you
are using one, and add all the flour at once. Beat on low speed to
prevent the flour from flying out, just until the four is fully
incorporated.
Form the dough into a 12-inch log about 2 inches thick. Wrap the dough
and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight (or freeze for
up to 3 months).
Preheat the oven to 350F.
Slice the cold dough log into 1/4 inch-thick slices. Place the cookies
at least 1 1/2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 12-14
minutes, or until the cookies are light golden brown at the edges. Let
the cookies firm up on the pans for about a minute before transferring
them to a cooling rack. Cool completely. For best flavor and texture,
store in an airtight container for at least 24 hours before serving.
They can be stored airtight for at least 1 month.
Note: The longer the dough is refrigerated beforehand and the longer
the cookies are stored afterward, the more the flavor of the cocoa nibs
permeates the cookie.
Jeneen