1/2 c. brown sugar (firmly packed)
1/2 c. butter (room temperature)
1 tsp. vanilla flavoring
1 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon (ground)
1/8 tsp. salt
Two dozen whole almonds (blanched)
Decorating Glaze (Recipe below)
Decorating Glaze Ingredients:
1/2 c. confectioners sugar
1 1/2 – 3 tsp. water
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together first three ingredients in large bowl on medium speed or stir by hand with spoon. Add flour, ground cinnamon and salt until dough just forms (adding 1 – 2 tablespoons of milk if dough is dry). Form dough by tablespoonfuls around almonds forming football shapes. Put on ungreased baking sheet approximately 1 inch apart. Bake 13 minutes or until set but not browned. Remove and place on wire rack. Cool completely. In a decorating bag with #3 writing tip, add Decorating Glaze. Ice cookies to resemble football laces.
Decorating Glaze Directions:
Combine confectioners sugar and water to form paste that can be piped from bag.