Snowball cookies

B has made these for the last 3-4 years, and they always go fast! Easy, and only a few ingredients, so make loads- you'll be glad you did ;-)

Snowball cookies
Makes approx. 2 doz.

1/2 cup icing sugar (I think in the US you call it confectioner's sugar??)
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup butter or margarine (we use olive oil margarine due to Baby's milk allergy, and it works as well as butter- but use butter if you can for the shortbread-y flavour)
1 tsp. vanilla extract (if cost is an issue, you can omit this)
2 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
* optional addition: 1/2 cup chopped pecans
More icing sugar for coating after baking

In a large bowl, combine sugar, salt and butter and mix well.

Add extract and gradually mix in flour. If adding nuts, do so now and work well into dough.

Chill well- at least 2 hours.

Form into 1-in balls (any larger, and they will not set in the center) and place on ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake at 400* for 8- 10 minutes or until set but not brown.

Roll immediately in more icing sugar to coat and leave to cool.

Roll in sugar again and store in air-tight container or freeze.