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Snowball Cookies

Buttery, nutty, and blanketed with powdered sugar, these nostalgic snowball cookies make a festive addition to any cookie tray. Here’s a clear, calm, truly step‑by‑step guide so you can just follow along and bake. Recipe overview Snowball Cookies  Yield: About 36 cookies Oven temperature: 350°F Pan: Unlined baking sheet (you can use parchment if you like, but not necessary) Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks) ½ cup confectioners’ (powdered) sugar, plus more for coating 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2¼ cups all‑purpose flour ¼ teaspoon salt ¾ cup finely chopped pecans (or walnuts) Instructions: 1. Get ready Soften the butter Take the butter out of the fridge about 1 hour before baking. It should be soft enough to press a finger in easily, but not melted or greasy. Preheat the oven Set oven to 350°F . Make sure the rack is in the center position. Prepare your pans Use unlined baking sheets (or line with parchment if you prefer). No need to...

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Federal Reserve Signals Slower Rate Cuts Amid Economic Uncertainty

 

The Federal Reserve is poised to announce a quarter-point rate cut on Wednesday, reducing its benchmark rate from 4.6% to approximately 4.3%. This move follows a half-point cut in September and a quarter-point reduction in November. However, Fed officials are signaling a slower pace of rate cuts in 2025, with expectations of only two or three reductions compared to the four previously anticipated.

The central bank's policymakers are recalibrating their approach as inflation has significantly decreased from its peak of 7.2% in June 2022 to 2.3% in October. Despite this progress, inflation remains above the Fed's 2% target, and the economy continues to grow robustly. Fed Chair Jerome Powell has emphasized the need for caution as the benchmark rate approaches a "neutral" level that neither stimulates nor hinders economic growth.

The upcoming presidential administration's proposed economic policies, including potential tariffs and tax cuts, add to the uncertainty surrounding future rate decisions. As a result, Americans may see only slight relief from high borrowing costs in the near future.




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