Just in case you weren’t aware, the pecan is the state tree of Texas, and around here pecan pies are what people think of first when the word pie is used. I may not be a native Texan, but I’ve had a love of these pies all my life. My Grandma Rosemary made a wicked mean pecan pie. (And a to-die-for German chocolate cake…)

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a pretty big apple pie fan as well. But to be honest, I prefer an apple crumble or a Dutch apple pie to the more common varieties. Pears I detest no matter what, and berry pies, though good, simply don’t make me go “Oooooh!” when I see them. Not true the pecan pie.

I will avoid eating the last bit of a good dinner to save room for these. Please, don’t top it with anything, add sugar, ice cream or anything whipped. This pie asks nothing of you other than to consume and enjoy, something I am most happy to oblige.

I hope you try these little gems and enjoy!

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I’ve tried four times now to find the proper opening to this entry. Call it a tribute to my feelings for these cookies. Of any sweet in the world, these are the particular combination of flour, sugar and love that not only make me quiver in anticipation, but make me want to dash into the kitchen to sneak one while they’re still too hot to eat. (Not something I recommend. While hot, these little delights are culinary napalm!)

When I was little these cookies were usually reserved for holidays. More than likely, that’s because a single batch would have been demolished by the rest of the household before my mother had a chance to pull the last tray from the oven, and unlike other confections, they’re rather intensive on the baker’s fingers, so were only made when the effort required would achieve the full “Ooooh and Ahhhh” benefits that they deserved.

I’ve mentioned my Aunt Thelma before. She was always a joy to be around, and one of the true matriarch’s of my family. For me, these are her legacy. Far more than just a snack, they’re full of memories of family gatherings and laughter, or afternoons sitting across the lunch counter in Thelma’s Kitchen on the Sonoma Plaza listening to my Aunt recant tales of her childhood in Oklahoma.

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I’m sure that my female food blogging counterparts all have a recipe for these little pieces of goodness, but Mrs. seat of her Pants made these up for me last night and I thought I’d share. So please everyone, grab one… No, No. Don’t be shy. That’s better. Would you like some milk to go with those cookies?

Great! Now that I’ve buttered you up with some chocolate, I’d like to drop a shameless plug for something I am terribly proud of.

My wife’s first book is available for sale today! If you like sci-fi with a bit of suspense and romance, take a look. I’ve read it, and I guarantee it’s a fun read… (Even after the third round of edits.)

You can find her book here: Monday’s Child

Now, on to the cookie recipe…

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I may have been feeling a bit under the weather for the past week, but Mrs. seat of her Pants was in good form. Aside from making sure that I was pumped full of fluids and getting plenty of rest, she decided it would be a perfect time to whip out a batch of cookies. (While I wasn’t in the mood to fight her over them… I’ll remember that the next time she’s not feeling well!)

Snickerdoodles are a consummate favorite of mine, as they are perfect coffee-dunker’s, and I always have a cup of very strong coffee on hand. I love the texture nearly as much as I do that of York Cookies, and they pair just as well with milk, tea or cocoa as they do with a good cup of coffee. (Mrs. Seat of her Pants is not a coffee drinker, which is fine, as it leaves more for me!)

I did manage to lighten the load on the platter by one or two of these little gems before they all disappeared, and will probably ask for another batch soon, now that I can fully enjoy them.

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These simple little treats are light on work and huge on taste. Sinful bites of creamy chocolaty nutty goodness!

So simple even a candy novice can put them together.

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