Mrs Fields Maple Pecan Butterballs

1. In a medium bowl combine flour, soda, cinnamon and finely ground pecans. For extra flavor, sauté pecans in 1 tablespoon butter until slightly browned. Mix ingredients well with a wire whisk and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer until mixture forms a grainy paste. Add syrup and egg and beat until slightly thickened. Add the flour mixture and blend at low speed just until combined. Place dough in plastic bag and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
3. Preheat oven to 300ºF.
4. Remove dough from refrigerator and shape into 1-inch balls. Place cookies on ungreased cookie sheets 1 inch apart.
5. Bake in a preheated oven for 17 to 18 minutes or until cookie bottoms are golden brown. Immediately transfer to a cool, flat surface.