Yellowhammer Cookies are a delicious Southern treat inspired by the state bird of Alabama, the Yellowhammer. These cookies are known for their delightful flavor and often feature ingredients that highlight the rich culinary traditions of the South, such as pecans and cornmeal. Here’s a recipe to make your own batch of Yellowhammer Cookies:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Mix Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chopped pecans and white chocolate chips (if using).
6. Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.
8. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

• Customize: Feel free to add other mix-ins such as dried cranberries, dark chocolate chips, or shredded coconut to suit your taste.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Enjoy these delightful Yellowhammer Cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a true taste of Southern hospitality!