Prepare Your Workspace:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Cream the Butter and Sugar:In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Combine Dry Ingredients:Gradually add the all-purpose flour, salt, and finely chopped nuts to the butter mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, chill it for 15 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Shape the Cookies:Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
Bake to Perfection:Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking; these cookies should remain pale.
Coat with Powdered Sugar:Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. While they’re still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat them generously. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely, then roll them in powdered sugar again for a snowy finish.