Chocolate Chip Tea Cookies

My Junior League cookbook is delivering yet another delicious treat... Chocolate Chip Tea Cookies. Perfect for your next gathering with the girls!

Chocolate Chip Tea Cookies

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

1/2 cup sifted confectioners' sugar

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

2/3 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans, optional

2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

Beat the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until creamy. Beat in the vanilla. Add the flour and walnuts, gradually. Beat constantly until combined. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the chocolate chips.

Shape cookie dough into 1-inch balls and arrange the ball 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown on the edges. Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes and then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Place the remaining chocolate chips in a heavy-duty sealable plastic bag. Microwave for 30 second and knead the bag. Microwave at an additional 20 second intervals, kneading after each interval until smooth. Cut a tiny corner in the bag and drizzle the chocolate over the tea cakes.

Chill the tea cakes for 5 minutes or until chocolate is set. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Makes 3 dozen.

To purchase your very own cookbook, ask me or visit the League's website.