Hi Jim,

I know this is a little late but the cookies Cloud described are sometimes called russian teacakes.

My mom is a BIG Christmas cookie maker (bakes them for weeks in advance). This one is a staple that we make every year - easy and delicious
Tony's not up yet :o) and I'm not sure how to embed a URL - but here's a path to the recipe with a pic - Note - This shows how I usually make them - as round balls

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Russian...-I/Detail.aspx

Oh THOSE things! My aunt used to bake a batch and wrap them for me every year, because I absolutely loved them but I was the only one.

they're a basic butter cookie, with ground nuts plus powdered sugar. Lots of versions around, but they sure are good.