spicy lemon crescents

(Makes 2 Dozen)

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
• 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 2 cups cake flour
• 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds, walnuts or pecans
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 12 ounce package (1 3/4 cups) "M&M's"®Chocolate Mini Baking Bits
• 1 cup toasted rice cereal
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Method

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Lightly grease cookie sheets; set aside.
3. In large bowl cream butter and 1/2 cup sugar; add lemon extract and zest until well blended.
4. In medium bowl combine flour, nuts, cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg; add to creamed mixture, until well blended.
5. Stir in "M&M's"®Chocolate Mini Baking Bits Using 1 tablespoon of dough at a time, form into crescent shapes; place about 2 inches apart onto prepared cookie sheets.
6. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until edges are golden. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheets.
7. Gently roll warm crescents in remaining 1 cup sugar. Cool completely on wire racks. Store in tightly covered container.