Making Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies is easy when you follow these detailed steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Add Pecans: Fold in the finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
7. Shape Cookies: Using your hands, roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden, but the cookies should remain pale.
9. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5-10 minutes.
10. Dust with Sugar: While the cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar until coated. Allow them to cool completely on wire racks before serving.