Shelly's Recipe

FUDGE-ICED WALNUT COOKIES

Category: Cookies

1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
Additional chopped walnuts for garnish, optional

Icing
4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup whipping cream
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.

In medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In large bowl, beat shortening and sugar electric mixer until well combined. Add egg, sour cream and vanilla; beat well. Add flour mixture; beat until just incorporated. Stir in nuts. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto prepared sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake 7-8 minutes or until tops of cookies spring back. Cool on sheet 5 minutes; transfer to cooling grid; cool completely before icing.

For icing, in medium microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate and butter at 50% power until smooth. In small bowl, microwave cream 10-15 seconds. Combine chocolate, cream, and vanilla extract; whisk 2 minutes. Set aside to thicken.

Spread fudge icing on each cookie. Sprinkle with additional chopped walnuts, if desired.