1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) to ensure even baking and a light golden hue for the cookies.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and salt to aerate the mixture and create a smoother dough texture.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, honey, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
4. Gradually add the sifted flour and salt mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a cohesive dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender cookie texture.
5. Fold in the finely chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for rich, nutty flavors in every bite.
6. Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls, ensuring consistent sizing for even baking.
7. Place the cookie balls onto an ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving small gaps between each to allow for slight expansion.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until the cookies are set and lightly golden. Monitor closely in the final minutes to avoid over-browning.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to prevent breaking before transferring them to a cooling rack.
10. While the cookies are still slightly warm, roll each one generously in powdered sugar, creating the signature sweet coating. Optionally, dust a second time after they have completely cooled.
11. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage, ensuring to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
12. If freezing, thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving and optionally warm them briefly in the oven at 300°F for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.
13. To enhance the cookies’ flavors, consider toasting the pecans for 5 to 7 minutes at 350°F before chopping them and incorporating them into the dough.
14. Optional variations include substituting pecans with walnuts, almonds, or other nuts, or adding a hint of cinnamon or almond extract for extra flavor. Experiment with customization to make the recipe uniquely yours.