1/2 c. butter
1 c. packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/3 c. sour cream
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 tsp. each: baking powder, baking soda and salt
1 3/4 c. salted cashew halves

Browned Butter Frosting:

1/2 c. butter (no substitutes)
3 tbsp. light cream
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
2 c. confectioners sugar
additional cashew halves (optional)

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar. Beat in egg, sour cream and vanilla; mix well. Combine dry ingredients. Add to creamed mixture and mix well. Fold in the cashews. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheets.

Bake at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.

For the frosting, lightly brown butter in a small saucepan. Remove from the heat; add cream and vanilla. Beat in confectioners sugar until smooth and thick. Frost cookies. Top each with a cashew half, if desired.

Yield: about 3 dozen.