Russian Tea Cakes (Snowballs)

A shortbread-like dough, studded with chopped nuts, bakes up to a texture that’s tender and melts-in-your-mouth. These irresistable cookies are often served during the holidays, and they are a popular choice for cookie exchanges. Russian Tea Cakes are also called Snowballs or Mexican Wedding Cookies.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 3/4 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, or cashews. I used pecans!)

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• powdered sugar for rolling

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Mix butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar and the vanilla in large bowl. Stir in flour, nuts and salt until dough holds together.

3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

4. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until set but not brown. Remove from cookie sheet. Cool slightly on wire rack.

5. Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar; cool on wire rack. Roll in powdered sugar again. Store in a covered container. Enjoy!