Oregon hazelnut butter cookies

Yield: 72 Cookies

Ingredients:

1 c Unsalted butter; softened
1/2 c Sugar
2 tb Pure maple syrup
2 ts Vanilla
2 c All-purpose flour --(unbleached)
1 1/4 c Finely chopped hazelnuts --(Oregon hazelnuts)
1/2 c Semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

--(optional) In a mixing bowl cream the butter and sugar. Add syrup and vanilla. Mix in the flour just until combined then fold in the nuts. Shape into two long rolls about 9 inches long and 1-1/2 inches in diameter and wrap them in wax paper. Chill until very firm at least 2 hours. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut the dough into 1/4-inch slices and place an inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are just beginning to brown. Cool on a wire rack. If desired melt the chocolate chips slowly stirring often until smooth. Using a butter knife spread a thin layer of melted chocolate over the bottom of each cookie. Place on wax paper and chill briefly to harden the chocolate. Peel from the paper and store airtight in a cool place. * COOKFDN brings you this recipe with permission from: * Oregon Hazelnut Industry and The Hazelnut Marketing Board