Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in the vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the flour, chopped pecans, and salt. Mix until well combined, forming a soft dough.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

1. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
2. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Coat with Powdered Sugar

1. While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar until fully coated.
2. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can roll them in powdered sugar again for an extra snowy appearance.