1/2 c. butter
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
4 1/2 c. sifted flour (best with cake flour)
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. buttermilk or sour milk
1 c. cut up dates
1 c. chopped nuts (optional)
1 tsp. baking soda

Cream butter, eggs, sugar and vanilla. Add sifted dry ingredients, alternately with milk. Stir in dates and nuts. Mix well. Chill several hours. Drop by teaspoon onto greased cookie sheet pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Frost cookies while warm.

BURNT BUTTER FROSTING:

6 tbsp. butter
1 1/2 c. sifted powdered sugar
2 tbsp. hot water
1 tsp. vanilla

Melt and brown butter in saucepan. Remove from heat. Add powdered sugar, water and vanilla. Mix until glossy and of spreading consistency.