Sugared Pecan Balls

Preheat oven to 350 F. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and let them toast in the oven for about 6-8 minutes, tossing once or twice during this time. Remove from oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before placing them in a food processor. Pulse until finely ground.

In a medium sized bowl, combine ground pecans with flour and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl using an electric mixer or mixing by hand, mix together butter and 1/4 of the confectioners’ sugar. Add almond extract and mix a bit more. Then add the flour mixture into the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Make sure that it is fully combined, but don’t over-mix.

Using your hands shape into roughly 1″ rounds. Place on baking sheets with at least an inch between them and bake until they just start to turn golden brown, 12 to 14 minutes.

Remove from oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled completely (this is important—good things come to those who wait) place the remaining sugar on a plate and roll the cookies in it until evenly coated. Enjoy!