Christmas Nuggets

Around the first of December my mother would start making cookies for Christmas. One of my fathers favorite Christmas cookie recipes that he would ask her to make every year was for a cookie she called Christmas Nuggets. She would make them early and freeze them, then when my father wanted some she would set some out on the counter to thaw and he loved to dip them in his coffee. This is a great switch from the same old holiday cookies to take to your Christmas cookie exchange this year!

1/2 c. shortening

1/2 c. butter or margarine

1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 T. vanilla

1/2 tsp. almond extract

1 c. chopped walnuts

2 1/4 c. flour

1/2 tsp. salt

In a medium mixing bowl cream together the shortening, butter and powdered sugar.

Blend in the vanilla, almond extract and nuts in to the mixture.

Slowly add the flour and salt into the rest and mix well.

Shape the dough into 1 inch balls or into a half moon shape, ),and roll in powdered sugar. For another tasty variation you can also top them with a little bakers coconut, just lightly press it on the top of each cookie.

Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes.