re: Favorite Christmas cookie/candy recipe?

There are all kinds of names for these cookies, so here goes!*

Multinational Sand Tart Wedding Cocoons

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups finely chopped or ground walnuts, pecans, almonds, black walnuts, brazil nuts, or filberts (try toasting them)

Mix butter with sugar until creamy. Add salt, almond or vanilla extract, flour, and nuts. Mix well.

Chill dough until firm enough to handle.

Preheat oven to 350.

Using fingers, shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until light brown. While cookies are still warm, roll in powdered sugar. These keep well.
Makes 4 dozen.

*Mexican, Danish, Swedish Wedding Cookies
Russian Tea Cakes
Sand Tarts
Cocoons