Maple-pecan balls

 
                             Maple-Pecan Balls
 
 Recipe By     : Woman's Day, Cookies & Sweet Treats
 Serving Size  : 24   Preparation Time :0:00
 Categories    : Shaped Cookies                   Cookies
 
   Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
 --------  ------------  --------------------------------
      1/2  cup           butter or margarine
                         --at room temperature
      1/2  cup           light brown sugar, packed
    2      tablespoons   granulated sugar
      1/2  teaspoon      baking powder
    1      large         egg
    1      teaspoon      maple extract
    1      teaspoon      vanilla extract
    1 1/2  cups          all-purpose flour
      3/4  cup           pecans -- finely chopped
   24                    pecan halves
                         powdered sugar
 
      Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl, combine
 the butter, sugars, baking powder, egg, maple extract and
 vanilla extract; beat with an electric mixer until fluffy,
 scraping the sides of the bowl several times.  With the
 mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour, beating just
 until blended.  Stir in the pecans.  Shape level measuring
 tablespoonfuls of dough into 1 1/4-inch balls.  Place 1 inch
 apart on ungreased cookie sheets.  Press a pecan half into
 the top of each ball.  Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until
 the cookies look dry and the bottoms are lightly browned.
 Cool on the cookie sheets on wire racks for 1 to 2 minutes,
 then remove to racks to cool completely.  Store in an
 airtight container for up to 2 weeks.  Just before serving,
 dust with powdered sugar.  Penny Halsey (ATBN65B).
 
 
 
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