Caramel Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookies

I found some bulk nonpareils in a candy shop a few weeks ago, and have been meaning to  throw them into some cookies ever since.  I new that my Hungry Puppies would just love chocolate chips with sprinkles on them to go in their cookies.  I just needed something else to mix in with them.  I settled on caramel and pistachios, and it turned out to be a perfect combination.  The cookie recipe is the same as the Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies from several weeks ago.  That recipe is my new favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe, so I just switch out the add-ins when I want some variation.  Quick note:  Nonpareils are little chocolate candies with white sprinkles on top.  They look like chocolate chips with white sprinkles.  They are very similar to SnoCaps candy.  If you don't have or can't find them, just use chocolate chips.

Caramel Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookies

2/3 cup (10 2/3 Tablespoons) butter, room temperature
2/3 cup (10 2/3 Tablespoons) shortening
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup bread flour1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup mini nonpareils (or semi sweet chocolate chips)
1 cup caramel bits
1 cup roughly chopped pistachios
Preheat the oven to 350F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside.

Cream together the butter, shortening, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in the eggs and vanilla until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl if necessary. Add the flour, bread flour, baking soda, and salt, and beat until just combined.  Add the nonpareils (or chocolate chips), caramel bits, and pistachios, and beat on low until evenly distributed.

Using a 2 Tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the dough into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.  Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown on the edges and just set in the center.  Remove cookies from the oven and let cool on the pan for several minutes.  Transfer cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.  Makes about 36 cookies.

Enjoy!  -Cardamommy