Noel Nut Balls (Similar to Hebrew Cookies)

Noel Nut Balls

Mrs. Kostyra's (Martha Stewart's Mother) noel nut balls have been a Kostyra family favorite for as long as Martha can remember.

Ingredients

Makes about 5 dozen

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon bourbon or orange juice
• 2 1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans (best if chopped by hand)
• 1/2 cup sifted confectioners' sugar, plus more for rolling
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and honey until fluffy. Add bourbon, and beat to combine. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, pecans, confectioners' sugar, and salt. Add to the butter mixture, and beat to combine. Wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 3 hours.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with Silpats (French nonstick baking mats) or parchment paper. Roll the dough, 2 teaspoons at a time, into balls. Place on prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between them. Bake until brown around the edges, 12 to 13 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Roll in confectioners' sugar to coat.