CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIES WITH PINE NUTS

From the kitchen of Mena Vesce (IAC member since 11/2005)

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting

l/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Pinch salt

l- l/2 cups all purpose flour

3 / 4 cup toasted pine nuts, chopped

l/2 cup semisweet chocolate chunks or chips

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Combine the butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla and

salt in a large bowl. Using a hand mixer beat the mixture until

creamy about 2 minutes. Add the flour, pine nuts and chocolate.

Stir until just mixed

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out 1 inch balls

of dough. Place on the cookie sheet. Bake until the tops look dry,

about 18 – 20 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes on the baking

sheets. Dust with powdered sugar and transfer to a serving plate