Make the cookie dough:With an electric mixer, beat the butter for about a minute. Add sugar and beat until light, about 1 minute more. Beat in vanilla, salt, and flour, scraping down sides of bowl, just until dough comes together. Fold in pecans.
Roll into balls, place on cookie sheet:Separate dough into 12 pieces; shape dough into walnut-sized balls. Place 3 inches apart on a baking sheet.
Gently flatten with a glass:Using the bottom of a glass, gently flatten each cookie. Reshape sides if necessary.
Bake:Bake 15 minutes, rotating sheet halfway through for even cooking. Remove and cool cookies on a wire rack.
