Cardamom Walnut Cookies

These cookies are for heyjude who has turned me on to cardamom and taught me how to store it in the freezer.

Mix 1 / 2 teaspoon cardamom and powdered sugar in medium bowl.

Set mixture aside.

Combine 1 / 2 cup granulated sugar , 1 1 / 2 teaspoons cardamom , butter , vanilla extract , lemon peel and salt in another large bowl.

Using electric mixer , beat at medium-high speed until well blended.

Add flour and chopped nuts.

Beat until dough forms , scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally.

Gather dough into a ball and wrap in plastic , chill 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350f.

Using hands and generous 1 tablespoon dough for each cookie , roll dough into 48 3 / 4-inch balls.

Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets.

Bake cookies until golden , about 25 minutes.

Sift powdered sugar and cardamom mixture over warm cookies , turn to coat well.

Can be made 3 days ahead.

Store in airtight container.

granulated sugar, ground cardamom, powdered sugar, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, lemon zest, salt, all-purpose flour, walnuts