Description
Russian Tea Cakes are delicate, buttery cookies coated in powdered sugar, known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and nutty flavor. These classic Eastern European treats are perfect for holidays or any time you crave a sweet, nutty dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt thoroughly to evenly distribute the salt throughout the dough.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms with no dry spots.
- Incorporate Nuts: Gently fold in the finely chopped walnuts or pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, adding a delightful crunch.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the cookie bottoms are lightly golden while the tops remain pale, indicating the perfect crumbly texture.
- First Sugar Coating: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly but while still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to help the sugar adhere.
- Final Sugar Coating: Once the cookies are completely cool, roll them a second time in powdered sugar for a snowy, festive finish.
Notes
- Substitute walnuts or pecans with almonds or hazelnuts based on your nut preference.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- These cookies are also known as snowball cookies or Mexican wedding cookies, perfect for gifting or holiday celebrations.
