If you are searching for a classic, melt-in-your-mouth treat that feels like a warm hug from a snowy winter day, this Russian Tea Balls Recipe is exactly what you need. These delicate, buttery cookies coated in powdered sugar are wonderfully nutty, subtly sweet, and perfectly crumbly. Known also as snowball cookies or Mexican wedding cookies, they bring a timeless charm to dessert tables, holiday gatherings, and anytime you want a little taste of festive nostalgia.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Russian Tea Balls Recipe is delightfully simple with ingredients that come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each one plays a key role in delivering that signature buttery richness and soft, nutty crunch.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides the rich, creamy base that makes these cookies tender and flavorful.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling): Sweetens the dough gently and gives the final Russian tea balls that classic snowy finish.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth, enhancing the buttery and nutty notes.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, creating structure without toughness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors more vividly.
- 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans: Offer delightful crunch and a rustic, earthy dimension to the cookies.
How to Make Russian Tea Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your Russian Tea Balls bake evenly and don’t stick, which will make cleanup a breeze later. Setting up correctly from the start helps you manage your baking time and get those perfect lightly golden bottoms.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it creates air pockets, which will make your cookies wonderfully tender and melt-in-your-mouth. Take your time here; the fluffier, the better!
Step 3: Add the Vanilla Extract
Next, stir in two teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. This humble addition lifts the entire flavor profile, lending a gentle warmth that perfectly complements the buttery dough and nuts.
Step 4: Mix in Flour, Salt, and Nuts
Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the creamed butter mixture. Stir gently just until everything is combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can result in tougher cookies. Once the flour mixture is fully blended, fold in the finely chopped walnuts or pecans. These nuts bring that signature crunch and depth you crave in Russian Tea Balls Recipe.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely for lightly golden bottoms while keeping the tops pale. This helps achieve that tender, crumbly texture inside with a firm enough base to hold the cookie together.
Step 6: Roll in Powdered Sugar
After baking, let the cookies cool for about five minutes, then roll them while still warm in powdered sugar — this step ensures the sugar sticks beautifully. Once completely cooled, give them another gentle roll for an extra snowy, festive finish that’s synonymous with the Russian Tea Balls Recipe tradition.
How to Serve Russian Tea Balls Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are enchanting on their own, but if you want to add a little extra flair, sprinkle additional powdered sugar just before serving to enhance their snowy appearance. For a subtle twist, try dusting with a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder mixed in with the sugar for a hint of warm spice.
Side Dishes
Russian Tea Balls Recipe pairs wonderfully with hot beverages. Think steaming cups of black or spiced tea, rich hot chocolate, or even your favorite coffee blend. The buttery, nutty cookies balance sweet and slightly bitter drinks perfectly, creating a comforting duo for chilly afternoons.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, arrange your Russian Tea Balls on a pretty platter dusted with extra powdered sugar or nestled among fresh sprigs of rosemary or pine for a holiday vibe. Packaging them in clear treat bags tied with festive ribbons makes charming gifts that show off these classic cookies beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Russian Tea Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This allows the cookies to maintain their delicate texture and stay fresh, making it easy to enjoy a few at a time without losing any of that homemade magic.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these luscious cookies ahead of time, they freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
There’s no need for reheating Russian Tea Balls Recipe; they’re best savored at room temperature. Just take them out of storage and let them sit for a bit. If you like, a brief 5-10 second warm-up in the microwave can revive that fresh-baked softness.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts for Russian Tea Balls Recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts and pecans are traditional and provide great flavor, you can experiment with almonds or hazelnuts. Just make sure to chop them finely to maintain the right texture.
Do Russian Tea Balls Recipe need to be refrigerated?
No need to refrigerate these cookies; they keep well in an airtight container at room temperature. Refrigeration might make them slightly harder.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. This can even help the flavors meld before baking.
How do I avoid my cookies spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and avoid overmixing the dough once you add the flour. Chilling the dough slightly before baking can also help maintain shape.
Are Russian Tea Balls gluten-free?
Traditional recipes use all-purpose flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, you could try substituting with a gluten-free flour mix, though the texture may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the nostalgic allure of the Russian Tea Balls Recipe. It’s a simple cookie with a rich history and a flavor that feels comforting and joyful. Whether you’re baking for a holiday celebration or just because, these cookies will become a beloved favorite you reach for again and again. So grab your ingredients and start rolling — your new favorite treat awaits!
Print
Russian Tea Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Russian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Russian Tea Balls are delicate, buttery shortbread cookies studded with finely chopped walnuts or pecans. Also known as Snowball Cookies or Mexican Wedding Cookies, these melt-in-your-mouth treats are rolled in powdered sugar to create a snowy finish, making them perfect for holiday celebrations and gift boxes.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which adds airiness to the dough.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse a rich aroma and flavor into the cookie dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Nuts: Gently fold in the finely chopped walnuts or pecans, evenly distributing the nuts throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet for even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden while ensuring the tops remain pale and soft.
- Cool and Roll in Sugar: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar for initial coating.
- Final Sugar Coating: Once cookies are completely cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar to achieve a classic snowy finish.
Notes
- Russian Tea Balls are also known as Snowball Cookies or Mexican Wedding Cookies.
- These cookies have a shortbread-like, buttery flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Perfect for holiday baking and gifting due to their festive appearance.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- For nut allergies, the nuts can be omitted or replaced with seeds like sunflower seeds, though texture and flavor will vary.
