Pecan Logs

Folks always ask me to make these tender nutty logs. Not overly sweet, they're just right with a steaming cup of coffee or tea.

1 cup butter, softened
5 Tbsp. confectioners' sugar
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour, unbleached
1 cup pecans, finely chopped
confectioners' sugar

Preheat an oven to 350°F (180°C/160°C fan, Gas Mark 4).

In a small bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in vanilla. Add the flour, beating on low speed just until combined. Stir in pecans. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until easy to handle.

Shape ½ cup dough into ½" thick log; repeat with remaining dough. Cut logs into 2" pieces. Place 2" apart on greased baking sheets.

Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly browned. Roll warm cookies in confectioners' sugar; cool on wire racks.

Makes 2½ dozen.

Nutritional Information:
1 cookie: 117 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 62mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.