Recipe: Orange Cocoa Sandies (pecan cookies)

ORANGE COCOA SANDIES

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp confectioners' sugar, divided use
1/2 tsp orange extract
1 cup flour
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease baking sheets.

In a large bowl, cream the butter and 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the extract.

Combine the flour and cocoa powder. Gradually add to the creamed mixture. Stir in the pecans. Roll into 1-inch balls. Place 1-inch apart onto prepared baking sheets.

Bake at 12-14 minutes or until set. Cool for 1-2 minutes before removing to wire racks.

Dust with the remaining 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar.

Makes about 2 dozen cookies
Source: Nella Parker in Taste of Home magazine