Mocha Pecan Christmas Cookies

• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips; divided
• 2 tablespoons instant coffee powder
• 2 teaspoons boiling water
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter; softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar; firmly packed
• 1 egg
• ½ cup Pecan Valley Pecan Pieces

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF.
2. Melt ½ cup chocolate chips over hot water or in microwave. Stir until smooth; cool to room temperature.
3. In small cup, dissolve coffee in boiling water; set aide.
4. Combine flour, soda and salt; set aside.
5. In large bowl, combine butter, sugars and coffee; beat until creamy.
6. Add egg and melted chocolate; mix well.
7. Gradually add flour mixture.
8. Stir in remaining 1½ cups chocolate chips and pecans.
9. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
10. Bake in a preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes.
11. Let stand 2 to 3 minutes before removing from cookie sheets; cool completely.

Yield: about 24 3-inch cookies.