It's National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, y'all. 

Now, that may or may not be a real thing, but the fact that chocolate is amazing is definitely real. In fact, did you know that ihe Aztecs believed that cacao seeds were the gift of Quetzalcoatl, the God of wisdom, and the seeds had so much value they were used as a form of currency?

National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day seemed like a good excuse to make a batch of chocolate chunk cookies. I used the basic Nestle Toll House recipe, and added a Kentucky kick with a few teaspoons of Maker's Mark.

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons bourbon
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups chocolate chunks
• 1 cup chopped pecans

PREHEAT oven to 375° F.

COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in chocolate and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. 

BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. 

For more HerKentucky chocolate recipes, check out:

• Dark Chocolate Truffles
• Bourbon Hot Chocolate
• Double Chocolate Cookies with Maker's Mark and Sea Salt
• Cocoa Brownies with Maker's Mark and Pink Sea Salt