baklava cookies

These are amazing. Absolutely amazing cookies. If you can't have nuts, I'm sorry. Really, I am. Because these cookies are bliss for the soul. One bite and you're speechless. They are crisp, sweet, nutty, sticky ... a unique cookie like none other. After the first bite I decided it was a cookie that would be perfect for holidays and cookie exchange parties ... I'm so glad to know this recipe. You will be too!

Baklava Cookies
(recipe from The Good Stuff Cookbook)

COOKIES
2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

2 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

GLAZE
1/3 cup honey
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (I used just of 1 whole lemon)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

To make the cookies: in a bowl, mix together the flour, walnuts, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a second bowl, beat together the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Slowly blend in the flour-nut mixture.

Using your hands, form small, round dough balls and place them on ungreased baking sheets. Gently press down on the balls to slightly flatten each cookie.

To make the glaze: heat the honey, butter, vanilla, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan over low heat until syrupy. Set aside until ready to use.

Bake the cookies for 10 minutes or until golden. Remove from the oven to racks and gently drizzle the glaze over the cookies. Let stand on the sheets until cooled completely.