Recipe: Slice and Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies (homemade refrigerated cookie dough, make ahead)

SLICE AND BAKE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

"Here's a great recipe to insure hot chocolate chip cookies at a moment's notice. Store dough in the refrigerator and bake at your convenience."

1/2 cup margarine or butter, softened
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
2/3 cup confectioners' sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans, optional

In a mixing bowl, cream the margarine, brown sugar and powdered sugar. Add egg and vanilla, beating until fluffy. Set aside.

Combine flour and baking soda and add to creamed mixture. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans, if desired.

Mold dough into two 12-inch logs and wrap in plastic wrap in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

WHEN READY TO BAKE:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and cut dough into about 1/2-inch thick slices. Place on cookie sheet; bake for 8 minutes or until golden.

HEALTHIER APPROACH:
Use half whole-wheat flour and add 2 to 3 tablespoons wheat germ. Toast the pecans and use less for added flavor and texture.

Makes 3 1/2 dozen cookies
Adapted from source: Meals On The Move by Holly Berkowitz Clegg