Pecan Meltaways

A soft buttery, nutty cookie smothered in confectioners sugar makes a perfect holiday treat.  I can't stop eating these, so I try to give them away for the holidays.  You may not be able to either, so I suggest you give these away too, your family and friends will love you.  The best part is they are easy and no fuss to make!

This recipe yields about 36 cookies:
2 sticks unsalted butter (8oz), softened
2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 cups finely chopped pecans (I chop them in the food processor)
Lots of confectioners sugar (sifted) for rolling in (about 1 cup)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium speed cream together the butter and sugar for 1 minute. Then add 1/2 the flour, vanilla and 1 Tbsp water, beat until combined, then add remaining flour and beat till thoroughly combined.  Blend in the pecans on low speed till evenly incorporated.  Shape batter into 1 inch balls or use a small cookie scoop to form the balls.  Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.  Bake in oven about 20 mins or till bottoms are lightly browned.  Let cool on a wire rack.  Gently shake cooled cookies in a bag with confectioners sugar and serve or prepare in gift tins.  Makes about 36 cookies.

 

Enjoy!