Russian Tea Cakes, also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Snowball Cookies, are a classic holiday treat cherished for their buttery flavor and delicate texture. These cookies are perfect for festive occasions and make an excellent addition to any cookie platter. Their sweet, nutty flavor combined with a snowy coating of powdered sugar makes them a favorite among cookie enthusiasts.
Traditionally, Russian Tea Cakes are made with finely chopped nuts, which add a delightful crunch and rich flavor to the cookies. The dough is rolled into small balls and baked until they are just set and golden. After baking, the cookies are rolled in powdered sugar while still warm, creating a snowy appearance that adds to their charm.
These cookies are simple to make and require only a few basic ingredients, but their delicious flavor and elegant appearance make them stand out. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, a cookie exchange, or just looking for a delightful treat to enjoy with a cup of tea, Russian Tea Cakes are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients for Russian Tea Cakes
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
How to Make Russian Tea Cakes
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. - Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. - Add Vanilla Extract
Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture. - Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until combined. Be careful not to overmix. - Incorporate Nuts
Fold in the finely chopped nuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. - Shape the Cookies
Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. - Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the edges are just starting to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should be pale in color. - Cool and Roll in Powdered Sugar
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cookies are cool, roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated. - Store and Enjoy
Store the Russian Tea Cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Enjoy these delicious cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, or share them with friends and family during the holidays.
About the Main Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the dough. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and a fine texture to the dough. It’s also used for rolling the cookies after baking, giving them their signature snowy appearance.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the buttery dough. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the cookies. It binds the ingredients together and gives the cookies their crumbly texture.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Finely Chopped Nuts: Provide texture and a nutty flavor. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds are traditional choices, but you can use any nut you prefer.
These ingredients come together to create a classic and beloved holiday cookie that is sure to delight anyone who tries them. The combination of buttery dough and sweet powdered sugar coating makes Russian Tea Cakes a timeless treat that will be enjoyed for generations to come.
