Hazelnut Cookies - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 c. margarine or butter
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. finely shredded orange or lemon peel
1 tsp. vanilla
1/3 c. orange juice
1 1/2 c. ground hazelnuts (6 oz.)
1 1/4 c. snipped, pitted dates
blanched hazelnuts, toasted (optional)

Preparation

Combine flour, baking powder and dash of salt; set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat margarine with electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds.
Add sugar; beat until fluffy.
Add egg, orange or lemon peel and vanilla; beat well.
Stir in juice, then flour mixture and ground nuts and dates.
Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet.
If desired, to each add a whole nut on top.
Bake at 350\u00b0 for 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges begin to brown.
Transfer to a wire rack.
Cool.
Makes 48 cookies.