Russian Teacakes

These cookies happen to be Nathan's mother's favorite...and in a couple short days, she will be receiving a surprise package in the mail which will include these melt-in-your-mouth cookies! They are also a family favorite and one cookie that I will never not include in my Christmas cookie arsenal.

The dough is tender, with a nutty walnut crunch - and the confectioner's sugar coating gives a great lip-smacking finish.

RUSSIAN TEACAKES

1 cup of butter, softened (no substitutions)
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/4 cups flour
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
Additional confectioner's sugar, for dredging

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Mix butter, sugar and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Work in flour, salt and nits until dough holds together when squeezed. Shape into 1 inch balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until set but not brown. While warm, roll in powdered sugar. Cool on a wire rack. Once completely cool, roll again in powdered sugar.

(Photo credit: Talida at http://talidabakes.blogspot.com)