Buttery Nut Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup ground pecans
Confectioners' sugar, optional
2 squares (1 ounce each) semisweet chocolate, melted, optional

In a mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar, egg yolk, vanilla and salt until light and fluffy. Combine flour and pecans; gradually add to creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or up to 2 days.

Shape into 1-in. balls. Place 1-1/2-in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until firm. If desired, immediately roll warm cookies in confectioners' sugar; or cool cookies and drizzle with melted chocolate. Makes 4 dozen.