makes 4 dozen; adapted from a Betty Crocker recipe and The Joy of Cooking
Mix together the softened butter, ½ cup powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, flour, and chopped pecans. Chill dough while you preheat the oven.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and space 1-inch apart on a parchment- or Silpat-lined sheet pan. Bake until aromatic and beginning to brown, about 12–15 minutes. Let cool a few minutes then roll in powdered sugar. Once cooled completely, roll in powdered sugar a second time.