Frosted Butterscotch Cookies

I love all cookies, Chad on the other hand is very picky when it comes to desserts. These cookies are a winner in his book because he had me make three batches in one week. These cookies are addicting, if your not a butterscotch fan don't worry they don't contain butterscotch, it is the frosting that makes them taste so good.

Frosted Butterscotch Cookies

Ingredients

* 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
* 1/2 cup shortening
* 2 eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 1 8-ounce carton dairy sour cream
* 2/3 cup chopped walnuts
* 1/2 cup butter (no substitutes)
* 3-1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar
* 5 teaspoons boiling water
* 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
* Chopped walnuts or walnut halves (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets. Set aside.

2. In a medium mixing bowl stir together flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside. In large mixing bowl beat the brown sugar and shortening with an electric mixer on medium speed until well mixed. Add eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until well mixed. Add flour mixture and sour cream alternately to beaten mixture, beating after each addition. Stir in the 2/3 cup nuts.

3. Drop dough by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart onto prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.

4. To make frosting, in a medium saucepan heat and stir 1/2 cup butter (no substitutes) over medium-low heat until golden brown. (Do not scorch.) Remove from heat. Stir in powdered sugar, boiling water, and 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla. Beat until frosting is easy to spread. Immediately spread on cooled cookies. If frosting begins to set up, stir in a small amount of additional boiling water. If desired, top with additional chopped walnuts or walnut halves. Makes about 60 cookies.

Make-ahead tip: Up to 1 day ahead, prepare and bake cookies. Frost cooled cookies; let frosting set. Place cookies in an airtight container with waxed paper between layers; store at room temperature.