Pecan Praline Cookies

I am in the mood for cookies.  And when I want to bake some cookies, I go to my Paula Dean cookbook because she has some of the best cookie recipes.  I have recently discovered her Pecan Praline Cookies which are delicious.  Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar (divided)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 2/3 cups flour (all-purpose)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup sugar (confectioners’)
• 1 cup chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter and 1½ cups brown sugar with a mixer at medium speed until fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes, stopping to scrape bowl. Add egg and vanilla, beating until combined.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating just until combined. Scoop dough using a 1½-inch spring-loaded ice cream scoop, and drop 2 inches apart onto prepared pans.
4. Bake until lightly browned, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool on pans for 5 minutes. Remove from pans, and let cool completely on wire racks.
5. In a small saucepan, bring cream and remaining ½ cup brown sugar to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly; cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
6. Spread warm sugar mixture onto cookies, and sprinkle with pecans. Let stand until set, about 10 minutes. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.