Filbertines

Directions

1. 1
   Toasting the hazelnuts:.
2. 2
   Preheat the oven to 350F.
3. 3
   Place hazelnuts on a cookie sheet in heated oven about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. 4
   Remove nuts; cool.
5. 5
   When cooled completely, grate very finely.
6. 6
   Preparing the cookies:.
7. 7
   In a medium bowl, sift together half the grated nuts, flour, baking soda, cardamom and salt; whisk to mix.
8. 8
   In mixer bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
9. 9
   Beat in egg and vanilla until well-blended.
10. 10
    Beat in the flour mixture on low speed until just incorporated.
11. 11
    Chill the dough at least 1 hour but preferably no longer than 2.
12. 12
    Baking the cookies:.
13. 13
    Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease cookie sheets.
14. 14
    Form the chilled dough by scant tablespoonfuls into balls.
15. 15
    Roll each ball in the reserved chopped hazelnuts until well coated.
16. 16
    Place the balls 2 inches apart on the cookie sheets.
17. 17
    Bake 15 minutes, or until lightly browned and firm to the touch.