Chewy German Chocolate Cookies

Name: Chewy German Chocolate Cookies
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 dozen.
Cuisine: German Desserts, German Recipes
Ingredients: 12 ounces German sweet chocolate, chopped; 2 tablespoons shortening; 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 1-1/4 cups sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chopped pecans; 48 pecan halves; Confectioners' sugar, optional

When I want a cookie that's as chewy as a brownie, this is the recipe I reach for. Coffee granules add the right amount of mocha flavor. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

Ingredients

12 ounces German sweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons shortening
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
3 large eggs, room temperature
1-1/4 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans
48 pecan halves
Confectioners' sugar, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 350° In a microwave, melt chocolate and shortening; stir until smooth. Stir in coffee granules; cool and set aside.
In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and lemon-colored. Beat in cooled chocolate and the vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to chocolate mixture and mix well. Stir in chopped pecans.
Working quickly, drop dough by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto greased baking sheets. Place a pecan half in the center of each. Bake until cookies are set, 10-12 minutes. Cool for 1 minute before removing to wire racks. If desired, dust with confectioners' sugar.