Mexican Wedding Cakes

These go by many names: Mexican Wedding Cakes, Russian Tea Cakes, Pecan Sandies... all are the same basic idea. Something about these cookies says Christmas to me. They are so delicious but messy, so no serving them at any black tie events, okay?

1 cup butter, softened
8 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups chopped walnuts
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix all the ingredients together with a mixer until well blended. Roll dough into round small balls. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool completely then roll in additional confectionary sugar