Snowball Cookies

I typically think of snowball cookies as a Christmas treat, but I made some a little early this year.  These are the easiest cookies to make, because there's really only a few ingredients!

Ingredients:

1 cup butter (2 sticks)
3/4 cup confectionery sugar
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. salt
Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions:

Microwave the butter for about 45 seconds to soften.  Then, combine with the sugar and cream them.  A mixer is essential for getting the sugar and butter well mixed.  Now, add in  the flour, salt, and vanilla.  Mix well.  If you are adding pecans or walnuts, be sure that they are finely chopped, and add them now.  Stir batter so that nuts are mixed in.  When it is fully combined, roll the dough into small spheres, and bake at 375 degrees for about 12 minutes.  When they are just turning golden brown, take out the oven and let them cool for about five minutes.

Now, get some extra confectionery sugar and put it into a shallow bowl.  Mix each cookie around in the sugar until the outside of the cookie is mostly coated. Enjoy!


*yields 3 dozen*