Russian Tea Cakes: Buttery Snowball Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Russian Tea Cakes
russian tea cakes are a classic melt-in-your-mouth cookie, beloved for their tender, nutty crumb and snowy coating of powdered sugar. Originating from Eastern European kitchens, these snowball cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, tea time, or anytime you crave a buttery treat.
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Why We Love These Snowball Cookies
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture: Tender shortbread meets crunchy nuts.
- Nutty flavor: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful bite.
- Festive look: Rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Ingredients for Perfect Russian Tea Cakes
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup finely chopped walnuts (or pecans)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then gently roll in powdered sugar.
- Transfer to a wire rack and once cooled, roll again in powdered sugar for an extra snowy finish.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
- Tip: Chill the dough for 30 minutes if too soft to shape.
- Variation: Swap walnuts for pecans or pistachios for a twist.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Serve with: Hot tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk.
Nutritional Information (per cookie): 101 kcal | 7 g fat | 8 g carbs | 1 g protein | 2 g sugar | 14 mg cholesterol.
Prep Time: | Cook Time: | Total Time:
Yield: 36 cookies | Category: Dessert | Cuisine: Russian, Eastern European
Enjoy every sweet, nutty bite of your homemade russian tea cakes with loved ones this season!
Russian Tea Cakes
Russian tea cakes are smooth and nutty cookies rolled in sweet powdered sugar. This recipe from Lithuania has been a family favorite for generations!
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then gently roll in powdered sugar.
- Transfer to a wire rack and once cooled, roll again in powdered sugar for an extra snowy finish.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
