Cashew Cookies

These buttery, nutty cashew cookies are so delicious, you'll wonder why they haven't taken on the chocolate chip cookie in a popularity contest.

Ingredients

• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Sour cream
• Chopped cashews

Frosting:

• Butter
• Half-and-half cream
• Vanilla extract
• Confectioners’ sugar
• Cashew halves

Directions

Step 1: Make the cookie dough

Preheat the oven to 375º. In a bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, five to seven minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add some of the dry mixture to the creamed mixture, then add some of the sour cream. Continue alternating until everything is combined. Stir in the chopped cashews.

Editor’s Tip: Taking turns adding the dry ingredients and the sour cream, rather than adding both all at once, results in smooth, evenly mixed dough.

Step 2: Form and bake the cookies

Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls onto greased baking sheets. Bake until lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.

Step 3: Frost the cookies

In a small saucepan, lightly brown the butter. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Add the half-and-half cream and vanilla. Beat in the confectioners’ sugar until the frosting is smooth and thick. Frost the cookies and top each with a cashew half.