Powdered sugar puts the finishing touch on these flavorful cookies. Serve them in the afternoon with tea as the name suggests, but you probably won't be able to resist them the rest of the day.

Russian Tea Cookies

1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup powdered sugar - divided use
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup finely chopped nuts

1. In a large bowl beat butter until soft. Add 1 cup of flour and stir to combine. Stir in half the powdered sugar, water and vanilla. When well mixed, beat in the 1 1/4 cups flour. Stir in nuts. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour.
2. After dough has finished chilling, preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until starting to brown. Allow to cool.
4. Before serving, roll cookies in remaining powdered sugar, coating evenly.

Makes 36 cookies.