Growing up these were cookies Mom always made for Christmas. They had date centers and were rolled in granulated sugar. DH and my son did not like dates so I began making half the batch without dates and rolled those in powdered sugar so you could tell them apart. Either way, they melt in your mouth!

DATE SNOWBALLS

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
2 1/4 cups sifted flour
dates, pitted and halved
granulated sugar (to coat baked cookies)

Cream butter and sugar together. Add vanilla, salt and nuts. Add flour, working it in with your hands. Chill dough until you are able to handle it without having it stick to your hands.

WHEN READY TO BAKE:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Roll portions around half a date. Form into balls, covering date half completely. Place on ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake at 400 degres F for 10-12 minutes, or until set but not brown. Remove to absorbent paper until excess grease is absorbed. Cool slightly, then roll in granulated sugar.

Makes about 50 cookies.