Brown-Eyed Susans
Ingredients
Cookies:
1 cup (250 mL) butter, softened
3 tablespoons (45 mL) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon (5 mL) almond extract
2 cups (500 mL) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon (2 mL) salt
Icing:
1 cup (250 mL) sifted icing sugar
2 tablespoons (30 mL) cocoa powder
2 tablespoons (30 mL) hot water
1/2 teaspoon (2 mL) vanilla
Almond slices
Directions
Cookies: Cream butter; add sugar, almond extract, flour and salt. Chill about 1 hour until dough is easy to handle. Roll level tablespoons of mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls. Place on a greased cookie sheet and flatten slightly. Bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool on wire rack.
Icing: In a bowl, combine icing sugar and cocoa powder. Add water and vanilla, and stir until blended. Pipe or spread about 1/2 teaspoon (2 mL) of icing on each cookie. Top with almond slices. Makes 3 dozen cookies.
Variation: Substitute chopped pistachio nuts for the almonds and call the cookies Brown-Eyed Sammys.