Praline Cookies

Recipe from Paula Deen. Makes 3 1/2 dozen cookies.



1/2 cup butter, softened
2 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar, divided
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup confectioners' sugar

In a large bowl, beat butter and 1 1/2 cups brown sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add egg and vanilla; beat well.

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating well. Cover, and chill dough for about 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350. Spray baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Flatten cookies slightly with fingers. Sprinkle each cookie with pecans. Bake for 10 minutes, or until edges are lightly brown. Let cool on pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.

In a small bowl, combine remaining 1 cup brown sugar and cream in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat until sugar dissolves and mixture boils; stirring constantly. Remove from heat; beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Drizzle over cookies.