Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line baking pans.
Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla, and mix well.
Reduce mixer speed to low. Add the flour and salt, mixing until almost combined. Stir in the pecans. Finish mixing the dough with your hands.
Pinch off about 2 teaspoons of dough and roll into balls using a circular motion with your hands. Roll the dough balls using a back and forth motion to shape into logs. Place the dough on prepared baking pans.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes on baking pans. Then transfer them to cooling racks. While the cookies are still warm, sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.