Holiday Recipes: White Christmas Cookies (Pecan Shortbread Balls)

Creative name, I know! But these addictive, slightly-sweet, velvety bites of holiday cheer have been a family tradition for years. It's just not Christmas without them! They pair perfectly with hot chocolate, coffee, and other desserts for an all-around win! Trust me and give this insanely easy recipe a try!

Ingredients:

1 cup softened butter

1/4 cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

2 cups flour

1 cup finely chopped pecans

Powdered sugar

Instructions:

• Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Blend in vanilla. Add flour and mix well. Stir in nuts.

• Shape into tablespoon-sized balls. Roll in hands until smooth. Place on ungreased baking sheet.

• Bake at 325º F for 20 minutes.

• Cool slightly and roll in powdered sugar.

Yield: 3 dozen cookies

Note: It is super easy to make these gluten free with your favorite GF flour (mine is Bob's Red Mill) and even dairy-free by replacing the butter with coconut oil. Just add a little extra salt and vanilla! I baked the recipe this way for years when we were dealing with some dietary restrictions.