Butterball Cookies

Easy to lazily make and always yummy, this is my "go-to" sweet. The other riders at my stable adore them!

aka Italian Wedding Cookies

Makes about 36 cookies

Ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons sweet butter, softened
• 3 tablesspoons honey
• 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup shelled pecans, chopped moderately fine (optional)
• 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300 F.
2. Cream butter and honey. Mix in flour and salt, then vanilla. Add pecans. 
3. Wrap dough in plastic wrap (I used wax paper) and chill for 1 hour.
4. Form balls by hand, about the size of a quarter. Bake for 35-40 minutes.Because I live at a high altitude, I had to shorten my baking time.
5. Remove from oven and allow to cool until able to comfortably touch. Roll in confectioners' sugar. Allow to cook and roll again in the sugar.

Adapted from: The Silver Palate Cookbook