Sugared Pecan Balls

Recipe by Real Simple.

I have a weakness for anything slightly resembling shortbread.  These cookies have the wonderful simplicity of shortbread with the richness of pecans, while the powdered sugar makes them pretty and sweet.

What you'll need

2 cups Pecans

2 cups All-purpose flour

1 tsp Salt

1 cup Butter, unsalted at room temperature

2/3 cup Confectioners' sugar

1 tsp Vanilla extract

How to

1.  Heat oven to 350°F.  Spread pecans on a rimmed baking sheet and toast in oven, tossing occasionally, until fragrant, 6 to 8 minutes; let cool. In a food processor, process the pecans until finely ground.

2.  In large bowl, whisk together the ground pecans, flour, and salt; set aside.

3.  Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and 1/3 cup of the sugar on medium-high until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in the vanilla.

4.  Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined (do not over mix).

5.  Shape the dough into balls (about 1 tbsp each) and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.

6.  Bake, rotating the baking sheets halfway through, until just beginning to brown, 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool slightly on the baking sheets, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

7.  Place the remaining 1/3 cup of sugar on a plate.  A few at a time, roll the cookies in the sugar to coat.  Makes 36 cookies.