Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. This step is crucial for ensuring that your cookies bake evenly and come out with a nice golden color. A hot oven helps achieve that perfect texture!
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the butter and shortening. Beat them together on medium speed for about 30 seconds until they’re well blended. You should see a creamy mixture forming, which will be the foundation of your cookies.
- Add in the brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Continue beating the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which is essential for a soft cookie.
- Now it’s time to introduce the eggs and vanilla. Beat well to combine them thoroughly. You’ll want a smooth, well-mixed batter free of lumps.
- Gradually add the flour to the mixture, mixing on low speed just until the ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to retain that soft texture.
- Stir in the M&M's and pecans (if you’re using them) with a spatula. This is where the fun begins! Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a tablespoon or a rounded teaspoon, drop the cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each mound. The cookies will spread as they bake, so give them some room.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. This indicates the cookies are perfectly done.
- Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 1 minute. This allows them to set while still warm.
- Using a wide spatula, carefully transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. This final step is essential for ensuring they maintain their delicious texture.
Notes
To store, place in layers separated by waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.