Almond Lover’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

Note: For the almond paste . . . a package is 6 ounces. I just cut the package right in half for this recipe.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a stand or electric mixer, beat the butter and sugars until well combined, light and fluffy. Add the almond paste in pieces until well combined. Add in eggs and vanilla until well combined.

2. In a large bowl combine the flour, baking soda and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients along with the chocolate chips and the chopped almonds (if you want nuts). Mix until just combined. Scoop onto a silpat or parchment lined baking sheet with a medium cookie scoop. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until just golden crisp on the outside. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Makes about 3 dozen cookies.