Strong-Arm Cookies
12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature
¼ cup solid vegetable shortening
2 cups dark brown sugar, firmly packed
2 large eggs
½ cup buttermilk
3¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups pecan halves, toasted and cooled
2 cups dried cherries
2 cups extra-large chocolate chips
(“chocolate chunks”)
In the large bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and shortening on medium speed until well blended, about 2 minutes. Add the sugar and beat until the sugar is thoroughly creamed into the butter mixture, about 5 minutes. Thoroughly beat in the eggs, then stir in the buttermilk. Set aside.
Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently stir into the butter mixture until you can see no more flour. Stir i
