Pecan Gems Cookies – Randy’s Favorite

• 1 cup [2 cubes] butter, softened
• 2 cups brown sugar – firmly packed
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
• 2 cups candied cherries cut in half
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 3 1/2 cups sifted flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chopped dates

Pan: 1 inch diameter mini muffin tins – very well greased and flour or use Mini Muffin Baking Paper Cups

Oven: 400

Time: 10 minutes

1. Cream butter, sugar, and eggs.
2. Stir in buttermilk and dry ingredients.
3. Add fruit and nuts.
4. Cover and refrigerate at least 15 minutes
5. Preheat oven to 400′
6. Using 1 1/4 inch scoop (35 mm) scoop and drop dough onto parchment covered baking sheet about 1 1/2 inches apart
7. Bake for 10 minutes
8. Cool for 5 to 7 minutes and remove from pans by turning over and banging pan on back.