Sunday Recipe for 12-19-10

These are wonderful mocha cookies rolled in powdered sugar.

MOCHA NUT BUTTER COOKIES

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
1 Tablespoon water
2 teaspoons vanilla
1-3/4 cup sifted all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups finely chopped pecans or walnuts
Powdered sugar

1.  Heat oven to 325 degrees.  Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2.  In a mixer bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Dissolve the instant espresso in the water; stir into butter mixture along with the vanilla.
3.  Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.  Stir into butter mixture and beat until smooth.  Stir in nuts.
4.  Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place 1" apart on prepared baking sheets.  Bake for 15 minutes.  Cool until cookies are still slightly warm and roll each in powdered sugar to coat.  Cool completely.  Makes about 4 dozen.