Friday, October 28, 2011

Praline Cookies

I got this recipe from my friend Tiffani, and I think it's a Martha Stewart recipe. These are now on the list for the annual Christmas cookie baking event!

1 2/3 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 stick unsalted butter
2 1/2 c. light-brown sugar, firmly packed
1 large egg
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 c. heavy cream, plus more if necessary
1 c. sifted confectioners' sugar
1 c. pecan halves, toasted and broken into large pieces

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and 1 1/2 cups light-brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla. Beat until fully combined. Add dry ingredients, and beat on low speed until combined.
Drop batter in rounded teaspoons onto ungreased baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake until firm and barely golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes, then transfer cookies from pan to wire rack.
In a small saucepan, combine remaining 1 cup light-brown sugar and cream. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Add confectioners' sugar, and whisk until smooth. (If frosting thickens, thin with cream.) Add pecan pieces. Place cookies on a cooling rack over a lined baking pan. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon praline mixture onto each cookie.

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