Pecan Praline Cookies

I found this recipe while browsing marthastewart.com and it seemed like the perfect little fall cookie. I urge you to make these because they're a snap to put together and are the perfect thing to have piled up on a plate in a celebration of autumn jubilation. Plus they made the house smell wonderful. Making these last night was so cozy, it was the perfect evening really.  

Makes 3 dozen

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter

2 1/2 cups light-brown sugar, firmly packed

1 large egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup heavy cream, plus more if necessary

1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar

1 cup pecan halves, toasted and broken into large pieces

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.  

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and 1 1/2 cups light-brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla. Beat until fully combined. Add dry ingredients, and beat on low speed until combined.  

Drop batter in rounded teaspoons onto ungreased baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake until firm and barely golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes, then transfer cookies from pan to wire rack.  

In a small saucepan, combine remaining 1 cup light-brown sugar and cream. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Add confectioners' sugar, and whisk until smooth. (If frosting thickens, thin with cream.) Add pecan pieces. Place cookies on a cooling rack over a lined baking pan. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon praline mixture onto each cookie.  

Recipe Source: http://tenderturningquiet.blogspot.com/2009/10/praline-cookies.html