DIRECTIONS
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk and mix well. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
For the frosting, combine butter, confectioners' sugar, milk and vanilla in a mixing bowl; beat until smooth. Frost the cookies; sprinkle with chopped walnuts if desired. Yield: 3 dozen.