Christmas Cookies

I love making sweets (sometimes a little too much).  It seems like a rarely make the recipe the same the second time.  However cookies (especially Christmas cookies) I tend NOT to deviate from the recipe too much (unless it calls for something than we don't have or something of the sort).  Today's cookie is one I have been dying to try since I found it.  The butter is on the counter softening right now.

Chocolate-Dipped Orange Logs
adapted from: Easy Home Cooking Holiday Cookies

3 1/4 cups flour
1/8 t salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 t grated orange peel (I will have to use 1/2-1 t extract)
1 t vanilla
1 pkg (12oz) chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecan pieces (I have sliced almonds from Costco)

Combine flour and salt in a bowl.  In a large mixing bowl cream together butter and sugar.  Add eggs one at a time, combining after each.  Add orange and vanilla.  Slowly add flour mixture until incorporated (will be loose crumbs).  Mush ingredients together and form together.  Make a large disk; cover in plastic wrap (place in fridge for 2 hours up to one day).
Preheat oven to 350.  Shape in logs (from 1 inch balls).  Place on ungreased cookie sheets (I ALWAYS grease no matter what a recipe says).  Bake until slightly golden on the bottom (top and sides will still be white and soft....these will 'crispify' as they cool). Cool cookies completely. Melt chocolate chips.  Dip one end of cookies in chocolate goodness.  Then sprinkle with nuts.  Place back on rack (best place on wax paper-lined cookie sheet). Chill about 5 minutes until completely hardened and set.  Store in a tightly sealed container. (I think I will continue to refrigerate so that they don't melt at room temperature.)