Russian Tea Cakes

I've heard them called many things, but to me, they've always been Russian Tea Cakes.  It just isn't Christmas with out these little cookies.  This is my 90 year old Grandma Myrt's (yes, her name is Myrtle) recipe.  I'm sure it's from an old Betty Crocker cookbook.  Whenever she cooks, she always follows a recipe.  But, she must have a special touch, because her food always tastes much better than anything I ever cook.  I am definitely inspired by her.

I will say, the dough can be a quite crumbly, but once you work it in your hands a bit, the butter softens and the dough comes together.

This is what they look like before they are baked.  They don't change shape that much while baking. 

The final product.  Mmmmm. 

*Warning*: Do not inhale before taking a bite, the powdered sugar will make you cough!  :)

The Recipe

1 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1/4 tsp. salt

3/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped

powdered sugar for rolling

Mix together the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla.  Set aside.  Sift together the flour and salt. Add to the butter mixture and stir until combined.  Mix in nuts.  Chill dough for about a half an hour.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake until set, not brown.  About 10-12 minutes.  While still warm, roll in powdered sugar.  Let cool.  Roll in powdered sugar again.  Makes approximately 4 dozen 1 1/2 inch cookies.  Enjoy!