Nana's Butter Cookies

I have been going through my step mom's recipes

1½ sticks butter at room temperature
1½ cups flour
¾ teaspoon baking soda
1 cup light brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

In a medium-sized bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat egg, sugar, and vanilla; then add butter to egg and sugar mixture and beat until light and fluffy. Add to dry ingredients and mix until blended. At this point you may also add ½ cup of coarsely chopped walnuts.

Divide cookie dough into two parts and roll in wax paper. Freeze overnight, or at least 4 hours. With a serrated knife, carefully cut frozen dough into slices about ¼ inch thick. Bake on cookie sheet for 10 to 12 minutes at 350 degrees. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.