[Blindtlk] Cookies you MUST try.

[Judy Jones]

Christmas Nougat Cookies

Very easy to fix and yummy!!!

1 1/2 cups margarine or butter
3 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons almond extract
2 cups flour
2 cups chopped almonds.

Note:  You can substitute vanilla for almond extract, and 2 cups chopped cashews for almonds.

1.  Remove margarine or butter from fridge and let soften.

2.  Very quick to process the nuts in a processor to chop them quickly and fine.

3.  Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

4.  In large mixing bowl cream butter and powdered sugar till blended all the way, doesn't take long at all when butter is soft.

5.  Add salt and flavoring and nuts.  Blend in.

6.  Add flour and thoroughly mix.  Dough is very easy to handle, and once flour starts to mix in, is easier to knead in with hands.  Dough is not sticky and very easy to work with.

7.  Form 1 inch balls.  They can be placed close together on baking sheet.  Bake for 8 minutes, but don't let brown.  When the surfaces start to harden they are ready.  They should also come easily off the baking sheet without sticking.  If they do stick, place back in oven for another minute.

Cool and store in air-tight container.