Mexican Tea Cakes

Although enjoyed year-round, these are a traditional Christmas holiday treat.

INGREDIENTS | MAKES 5 DOZEN

1⁄4 cup pistachio meats

1 cup butter

21⁄2 cups flour

13⁄4 cups confectioners’ sugar, divided

2 teaspoons vanilla

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

  1. Grind the pistachio meats. Soften the butter in a medium-sized mixing bowl by stirring with a spoon.
  2. Add the pistachio meats, flour, 3⁄4 cup of the sugar, the vanilla, and salt to the butter; mix until a stiff dough is formed.
  3. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 2–4 hours.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  5. Form the dough into balls about 1" in diameter. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes. The cookies should be firm but not brown.
  6. Remove the cookies from the oven and roll them in the remaining confectioners’ sugar. When the cookies are cool, roll them in the sugar again.