Bake Sale Triumph: Irresistible Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies for Grace’s Washington D.C. Adventure

There’s nothing quite like the warmth of freshly baked cookies, especially when they’re made with a purpose. Today, we’re diving into the story of Grace, her ambitious school trip to Washington D.C., and the truly irresistible Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies that became the star of her fundraising efforts. This isn’t just about a recipe; it’s about community, determination, and the sweet taste of success!

Grace’s Grand Adventure: The Washington D.C. School Trip

Next year marks a significant milestone for my daughter, Grace, as she enters 5th grade. With 5th grade comes the eagerly anticipated school trip to Washington D.C. It’s an absolutely incredible opportunity for these young minds to explore our nation’s capital, witness history firsthand, and create memories that will last a lifetime. I know this from personal experience, having chaperoned this very trip for my son’s class. It’s a whirlwind of activity: a lengthy bus ride there, four days packed with non-stop sightseeing and educational experiences, followed by another long journey back home.

Each day is meticulously planned, ensuring the kids soak up as much as possible. I vividly recall how exhausted—yet exhilarated—they were, practically passing out the moment they returned to the hotel each evening. It’s a truly immersive experience, and I’m hopeful I’ll have the chance to chaperone again for Grace’s class, sharing in her excitement and ensuring she makes the most of every moment.

The Fundraising Challenge: Why a Bake Sale?

The total cost for this amazing trip is around $500 per student. While the school does organize fundraisers, they often present their own set of challenges. In our small town, it often feels like all the kids are trying to sell the same overpriced items to the same limited pool of people, who frankly, don’t really want them. I have to admit, I’m not a fan of the common cookie dough fundraisers; the cookies, in my humble opinion, often taste terrible. And selling cases of soda? That means delivering cases of soda, which can be quite a logistical headache for busy parents. Does this make me a terrible mom? Perhaps a practical one!

However, there are exceptions! The Krispy Kreme fundraisers? Now that’s a different story! I’m always eager to participate in those – in fact, I even have a certificate on my dresser right now that I need to remember to put in my purse for my next purchase. But when it comes to hands-on fundraising, nothing beats the personal touch and genuine appeal of a homemade bake sale.

Since I absolutely love to bake, and Grace needed to raise funds for her trip, a bake sale seemed like the perfect solution. It offered a wonderful opportunity for her to learn about setting goals, managing sales, and the value of hard work. We set a realistic goal of raising $25.00 a week, with each delicious item selling for an approachable $1.00. And when it comes to easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing items, cookies are always a winner!

Choosing the Star: Our Signature Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

For Grace’s inaugural week of fundraising, she chose a recipe that holds a special place in our hearts: my Hubby’s absolute favorite. These aren’t just any chocolate chip cookies; they are our tried-and-true Chocolate Chip-Pecan Cookies. There’s something undeniably comforting and universally loved about a classic chocolate chip cookie, but the addition of pecans adds a delightful crunch and nutty depth that elevates them to another level.

The Recipe: Unlocking the Secret to the Best Chocolate Chip-Pecan Cookies

This recipe is fundamentally based on the classic Nestle Toll House chocolate chip cookie recipe, a staple in many kitchens, but with one crucial, game-changing modification: the flavoring. Flavor truly can make all the difference, transforming a good cookie into an unforgettable one. Our secret ingredient? McCormick’s Vanilla Butter and Nut flavoring. This special extract infuses the cookies with a richer, more complex aroma and taste that perfectly complements both the chocolate and the pecans, giving them an almost gourmet quality that sets them apart from the rest. While vanilla extract can certainly be substituted, if you want that extra “oomph,” I highly recommend seeking out the butter and nut flavoring.

Chocolate Chip-Pecan Cookies and a bake sale

Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon McCormick’s Vanilla Butter and Nut flavoring (vanilla extract can be substituted)
• 2 1/2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Combine flour, baking soda and salt, just stir with a fork to blend. Set aside.
2. Cream butter and sugars. add in eggs and flavoring, mix well. Be sure to scrape down sides of bowl.
3. Add in flour mixture, I add 1/2 at a time, mix well. Add in Chopped nuts.
4. Now fold in chocolate chips, you can use the mixer but I like to do this by hand.
5. Drop by spoonfuls onto a cookie tray. These cookies spread so make sure to leave room between cookies. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 8-10 minutes, in my oven they are done at 8 1/2 minutes. Let cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes before removing to racks to cool completely.

Notes

recipe source ChocolateChocolateandmore.com

Did you make this recipe?

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Tips for Baking Perfect Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

• Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This helps create that light, fluffy texture when creamed with the sugars.
• Scrape the Bowl: Don’t skip this step! Scraping down the sides of the bowl ensures all ingredients are fully incorporated, leading to a consistent dough and even baking.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, resulting in tougher cookies.
• Hand-Folding for Texture: While a mixer is convenient, gently folding in the chocolate chips and pecans by hand ensures they are evenly distributed without crushing them, preserving their texture.
• Proper Spacing: These cookies do spread, so give them ample room on the baking sheet to prevent them from merging into one giant cookie.
• Watch Your Oven: Every oven is different. Keep a close eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking. They should be lightly golden brown around the edges and still look slightly soft in the center when you pull them out. They will continue to set as they cool.
• Cooling Process: Letting them cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack helps them firm up and prevents them from breaking.

Maximizing Bake Sale Success: Presentation Matters!

Once you’ve mastered the art of baking these delightful cookies, the next step for a successful bake sale is presentation. Packaging makes a huge difference in how quickly your treats sell. Think beyond just a plain plastic bag. For a similar price to basic Ziploc bags, you can often find festive party favor goodie bags at your local dollar store. A simple addition of a colorful curling ribbon can transform a humble cookie into an attractive, ready-to-buy treat.

If you’re planning on doing a lot of baking and selling, it’s worth checking out a local cake supply or party supply store. These specialty stores often offer bulk pricing on packaging materials. For instance, I can get 100 bags for about $2.50 at my local store, which is incredibly cost-effective for a large-scale bake sale effort. Attractive packaging not only catches the eye but also conveys care and quality, encouraging more purchases.

Cookie Variations for Every Taste

To cater to different preferences and add variety to the bake sale, Grace also experimented with this same delicious base recipe. She made a batch by substituting the chocolate chips and pecans with colorful M&Ms. This variation is always a huge hit with kids and adds a fun, festive touch, making the cookies even more appealing to a broader audience at the bake sale.

Support Grace’s Dream: Bake, Share, and Inspire!

Grace’s determination to raise funds for her Washington D.C. trip through her bake sale has been incredibly inspiring. It’s a testament to the power of a simple idea, a great recipe, and a little bit of entrepreneurial spirit. These Chocolate Chip-Pecan Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a symbol of her journey and the support of our community.

Whether you’re baking for a school fundraiser, a community event, or simply to enjoy with your family, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it out, experience the difference that special flavoring makes, and share the joy!

Craving More Delicious Cookie Ideas?

If you’re a cookie enthusiast or looking for more amazing recipes for your next bake sale or family gathering, explore some of our other fantastic cookie creations:

Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Cream Cheese Chocolate Croissant Cookies

Dark Chocolate Tiger Cookies

Peanut Butter Cookies

Caramel Apple Toffee Cookies

Jello Sugar Cookies

50 Cookies for your Christmas Plate