California Fig Cookies Recipe

1 cup chopped golden or black figs(1/2 lb.)
1/3 cup water
1 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups sifted flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
Walnut or pecan halves(optional)

Cook figs with water, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Beat butter with both sugars until light and fluffy; beat in egg and vanilla to blend well.

Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Mix into creamed mixture. Then stir in cooled figs.

Drop by teaspoonfuls about 2" apart onto lightly greased baking sheet. Press a walnut half on top of each cookie. Bake in a moderate oven(375 degrees F.) 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove cookies and cool.