Russian Tea Cakes

This is a personal favorite, and I make them fairly often. Though called Russian Tea Cakes, they are not all that popular around the Moscow area, with the exception of our home. = ) According to wikipedia they originated in Russia around the 18th century and became popular in the USA in the 20th century. These are very easy to make, and once you have made them, I imagine that they will quickly be added to a list of favorites for parties. I hope you enjoy!

1  cup butter or margarine, softened

1/2  cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 1/4  cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour

3/4   cup finely chopped nuts

1/4  teaspoon salt

Extra powdered sugar

Heat oven to 400ºF. Mix butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar and the vanilla in large bowl. Stir in flour, nuts and salt until dough holds together. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until set but not brown. Remove from cookie sheet. Cool slightly on wire rack. Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar; cool on wire rack. Roll in powdered sugar again.

When all is said and done and enjoyed, this is what the plate always looks like...one left! I mentioned it in this post.