Snowball Cookies - Santa's Favorite!

 

 Every Christmas, my sister, Sherry, begs me to make these saying mine are simply the best. Well, she would say that. She's my sis! But I do agree - these are scrumptious. The powdered sugar melts in your mouth followed by the crunchiness of pecans and toasted cookie. The one thing I do a bit different from most is add almond extract. It gives the cookies a yummy sweetness I think you'll like. Once you bake these, be prepared to make more!

Mix thoroughly:

1 C. Soft Butter (or Margarine - I use Parkay.)
½ C. Confectioner's (powdered) Sugar
½ tsp. Vanilla Extract (pure - always use pure - it's worth it!)
½ tsp. Almond Extract (vital!)

Sift together and stir in:

2¼ C. Flour (all purpose)
¼ tsp. Salt

Mix in:

¾ c. Finely Chopped Nuts (I prefer pecans, but walnuts can be used if you prefer.)

Chill dough: Roll into 1" balls.
Place on ungreased cookie sheet. (Cookies do not spread)
Bake until set, but not brown at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
While still warm, roll in powdered sugar.
Roll in powdered sugar again.

(My sister drops them down in a baggie of powdered sugar and eats them straight out of the bag, but shhhh...., don't tell her I told!)