Creating Mexican Wedding Cookies is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Follow these steps for a successful bake:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with ½ cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using).
5. Incorporate Nuts: Stir the chopped nuts into the dry mixture.
6. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
7. Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. They should still be pale on top.
9. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.
10. Dust with Powdered Sugar: While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar until fully coated.

With these steps, you’ll have a batch of Mexican Wedding Cookies that are sure to impress!