Pecan Stix Plain and Fancy

 

3 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 ¼  teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup white sugar

1 cup brown sugar, packed

2 eggs

1 ½ cups pecans, finely chopped

 

Line a 9” x 5” metal loaf pan with plastic wrap letting wrap extend on all sides. In large mixer bowl beat butter and sugars on medium speed for about 2 minutes or until creamy.  Add eggs, 1 at a time and beat until blended.  Combine remaining dry ingredients and gradually add to butter sugar mixture until just blended.  Stir in pecans.  Pat dough into prepared metal pan.  Refrigerate at least 4 hours or until firm enough to slice.  Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease large cookie sheet.  Invert dough onto cutting board.  Cut dough crosswise into ¼ inch slices.  Cut each slice lengthwise into ¼  inch slices.  Place stixs 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheet.  Bake 12 to 13 minutes or until golden.  Cool on wire rack.  Serve plain or decorate with prepared icing or melted chocolate as desired.