Russian Tea Cakes, also known as Snowball Cookies or Mexican Wedding Cookies, are a beloved holiday treat known for their rich, buttery flavor and delicate texture. These bite-sized cookies are often coated in a generous dusting of powdered sugar, making them look like little snowballs. The combination of chopped nuts and a light, crumbly texture makes these cookies a perfect addition to any holiday dessert table. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, Russian Tea Cakes are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients for Russian Tea Cakes :
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup finely chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds work best)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions for Russian Tea Cakes:
Preparing the Dough:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Vanilla Extract: Once the butter and sugar are well-combined, add the vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring gently to combine. You should end up with a soft dough.
- Add the Nuts: Stir in the chopped nuts. The nuts add a lovely crunch and flavor to the cookies, so be sure to mix them evenly throughout the dough.
Shaping and Baking the Cookies:
- Shape the Dough: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden, and the tops are just set. Be careful not to overbake them, as they should remain pale and soft.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Coating the Cookies:
- Roll in Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies have cooled, it’s time to coat them in powdered sugar. Place the remaining powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Gently roll each cookie in the powdered sugar, coating it completely.
- Final Dusting: After the initial coating, allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before rolling them in the powdered sugar again for a more generous coating. This second dusting gives the cookies their signature “snowball” appearance.
Tips for Success:
- Chilled Dough: If your dough is too soft to roll easily, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping the cookies. This will make the dough firmer and easier to handle.
- Nut Alternatives: While pecans and walnuts are traditional, you can use any type of nut you like, such as almonds or hazelnuts. Just be sure to finely chop them so they distribute evenly throughout the dough.
- Cookie Size: If you prefer larger cookies, you can make the dough balls a little bigger, but keep in mind that the baking time may increase slightly.
Why You’ll Love Russian Tea Cakes:
Russian Tea Cakes are the perfect combination of rich, buttery dough and crunchy nuts, all coated in a sweet dusting of powdered sugar. These cookies are incredibly versatile—perfect for holiday gatherings, as gifts, or just for enjoying with a cup of tea. Their delicate texture and festive appearance make them a true holiday classic that everyone will love.
With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and nutty flavor, Russian Tea Cakes are a simple yet elegant treat that will add a touch of sweetness to your celebrations. Try them for your next gathering, and enjoy the delight they bring to your holiday season.
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