Mrs. V's Delightful Snowball Christmas Cookies

This is my favorite winter holiday cookie.  My Mom made them every year and my Dad and I used to race each other to the table when she put them out.  I can tell you this it kind of ticked her off a wee bit because we ate them faster then she could bake them.  

It wasn't until later in life I learned their "true name and origin", The Mexican Wedding Cookie.  I will always fondly remember them as snowballs.  There are several variations of this cookie out there and here is one I like and it's very simple to make.  

Be prepared, they are messy to make and eat but oh so much fun and yummy-licious.

What You Need

1 1/2 cups powdered/confectioners sugar (divide 1 cup set aside in bowl)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup butter, softened at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans (any nut will work and they are fabulous with dried fruits like cranberries and cherries)

Let's Make Them!

1. With Mixer or KitchenAid cream butter, sugar and vanilla until fluffy and well combined.
2. Cover and chill dough for 1 hour in the fridge
3. 15 minutes before pulling out dough preheat your oven to 400 degrees F
4. Roll dough into 1 inch balls.  You can use a standard cookie scoop to measure then place between palms of your hands and roll into shape.  
5. Bake 8-10 minutes.  Do NOT brown cookies.  
6. Let them cool completely before coating with more powdered sugar
7. Roll them until well covered 
8. Gobble 'em up!

Until next time, see you 'round the kitchen,