Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies

(from Nordstrom Cafe)

1 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 c. sugar
1 large egg
1 t. vanilla extract
2 c. AP flour
1/2 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
1/2 c. finely chopped pecans
Brown Sugar Frosting
Pecan Halves

Beat butter at medium speed of an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugars, mixing well. Add egg and vanilla; beat well.

Combine flour, soda, and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in chopped pecans. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.

Shape dough into 1 inch balls; place on ugreased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 for
10-12 minutes. Cook on wire reacks, and spread Brown Sugar Frosting over tops. Top each cookie with a pecan half.
Yield: 2 dozen

Brown Sugar Frosting

1 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 c. half-and-half
1 T. butter
1 1/2 to 1 2/3 c. sifted powdered sugar

Combine brown sugar and half-and-half in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil; boil 4 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in butter.

Add 1 1/2 c. powdered sugar, and beat at medium speed of an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add remaining powdered sugar to desired spreading consistency. Yield 1 1/3 cups.