Lagniappe Holiday Cookies

OATMEAL CHOCOLATE & PECAN COOKIES WITH ORANGE ZEST

I know what you’re thinking, what is a “lag nappy cookie?” Well, it’s French, and in Louisiana, it’s definitely a Cajun thing. It essentially means “all the things” and I needed a different name for these Cajun Cookies other than saying Cajun cookies.

The truth is, my mom made these often, and it was usually our go to for Santa Clause. Our Cajun Santa, also known as Le Petit Bonhomme Janvier : The Little January Man. Our dad always gave us a little money, but the actual tradition is for a “second Christmas” and on New Year’s Eve, Santa’s brother passes with fruits, nuts, money and other random things.

I haven’t had these cookies in 25 years, so it was time to make it another tradition once again, and to make them my own. My mom never used pecans or orange zest, so here we are.

Chewy on the inside, just crisp enough on the outside. YUM! Perfect for milk dipping.

OATMEAL CHOCOLATE & PECAN COOKIES WITH ORANGE ZEST RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup shortening

• 1/2 cup granulated white sugar

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar

• 1 large orange, grated zest

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup flour

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (Bob’s Red Mill)

• 8 oz chocolate chips ( I use dark chocolate)

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Cream shortening and white and brown sugar together. Add orange zest, vanilla and egg, beat well. Sift in salt and flour together, then mix in oats. Fold the pecans and chocolate into the bowl. Chill for 30 minutes.

Ball 2 teaspoons of cookie batter in palm, flatten to small discs on greased tray. Bake at 375°F, for 10-13 minutes. Yields 2 dozen.