Russian Tea Cakes

These elegant little cookies are a popular treat in Russia at the holidays. It's funny- I grew up having these at Christmas and had no idea that these holiday cookies originated in Russia! They are delicious- whether at Christmas or any other time of the year!

• Ready In: 42 mins
• Serves: 18-20

Ingredients

• 1  cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1⁄2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 1⁄4 cups flour
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 3⁄4 cup  finely chopped walnuts or 3⁄4 cup pecans
• 1  cup powdered sugar

Directions

1. Mix the butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar and vanilla thoroughly. Sift in the flour and the salt, stirring until combined (it will be sticky). Mix in the nuts. Place the dough on some plastic wrap and shape into a ball. Wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place on a cookie sheet (cookies don’t spread). Bake 10-12 minutes, or until set but not brown. While still warm, roll in the remaining powdered sugar. Set aside to cool, and then roll them one more time in the sugar before serving.