Easy cookies perfect for that jolly visitor.

Santa's Little Walnut Helpers

Topping:
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup chopped California walnuts

Dough:
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar

Icing:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon water

1. Prepare Topping: In small mixing bowl stir together sugar, sour cream and cinnamon until smooth. Stir in walnuts; set aside.
2. Prepare Dough: In mixing bowl bream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla; beat until light and fluffy. On low speed gradually add dry ingredients, beating just until smooth.
3. Divide dough into twelve equal parts. Roll dough into balls and place 3 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. With your fingertip, make a wide, round depression in the center of each cookie, reaching almost to the edges and leaving a rim. Fill depression in cookies with walnut topping, mounding fairly high above rims.
4. Bake in 350°F (175°C) oven 15 to 20 minutes, until filling is set. Transfer cookies to rack to cool.
5. To make icing, mix powdered sugar and water until smooth. Drizzle over rims of cookies.

Makes 1 dozen cookies.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of the Walnut Marketing Board.