Dessert Cookies: Butter Balls

By SharonE

Also known as Mexican Wedding Cakes and Russian Tea Cakes, these cookies melt in your mouth. I've had this recipe since I was a teenager and it is still one of my favorites!

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup confectioners sugar
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup finely chopped walnuts (pecans and hazelnuts work well, too)

Preparation

Step 1

In a bowl, cream butter with 1/4 cup confectioners sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and salt. Gradually stir in flour and walnuts until well blended. Divide dough in 4 portions; wrap each in waxed paper. Chill 30 minutes or until firm enough to shape.



Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Remove 1 portion at a time from refrigerator; shape into 1" balls. Place 1" apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 20 minutes (16-17 convection bake) or until pale golden. Cool just a couple of minutes.