Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
Melt the butter until it is warm enough to dissolve the sugar (I usually microwave the 1 lb. for about 30 seconds) If it is only partially melted, that's fine. It will probably have a warm, and creamy texture)
In a large bowl mix melted margarine or unsalted butter and sugar together until sugar is dissolved
Add extract and milk - stir in
In a small bowl mix the salt, flour, and *optional nuts
Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix together
Roll into balls about 1 inch in diameter
Push the center down with your thumb or the back of a Tbsp. measuring spoon that has been greased
Bake at 350 degrees for about 8-10 minutes
While that is baking - stir the ingredients for the icing together adding the water 1 Tbsp. at a time, and stopping when the icing is a nice smooth consistency but not too runny
If it gets too runny...just add a little more powdered sugar
After the cookies are done and cooled - add a spoonful of icing to each center