2 c. butter
1 c. white sugar
2 tsp. vanilla (or rum flavoring or Bavarian crme)
4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. finely ground pecans (optional)
1 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. salt

Cream butter with brown and white sugars; beat in eggs and vanilla. Blend in sifted dry ingredients. Chill dough. Drop on cookie sheet (can be shaped into small balls and then slightly flattened).

Bake 10 to 12 minutes at 350°F. Cool before frosting.

Frosting:

3/4 c. butter
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
1/3 c. milk
2 1/2 c. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Cook butter and brown sugar for 2 minutes. Add milk. Bring to a full boil. Cool slightly and gradually add powdered sugar. Beat well. Add vanilla and beat to spreading consistency.

Makes 11 dozen cookies.