Ingredients
12 ounces German sweet chocolate, chopped2 tablespoons shortening1 teaspoon instant coffee granules3 large eggs, room temperature1-1/4 cups sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 cup all-purpose flour1/2 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 cup chopped pecans48 pecan halvesConfectioners’ sugar, optional
Preparation
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.
