Russian Tea Cakes Recipe: Buttery, Sweet, and Perfect for the Holidays
If you’re looking for a timeless holiday cookie that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, this Russian Tea Cakes recipe is your answer. These buttery, nutty cookies are rolled in powdered sugar, giving them their iconic snowy finish. Whether you know them as Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cookies, or Snowball Cookies, they’re a holiday favorite that’s sure to bring a touch of nostalgia to your table.
The best part? These cookies are made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making them a quick and festive treat to whip up anytime.
Ingredients for Russian Tea Cakes Recipe
- 1 cup butter, at room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter with a wooden spoon until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add the Remaining Ingredients:
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a stiff dough forms.
- Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
3. Shape the Cookies:
- Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls.
- Place the balls about 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
4. Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 13–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden. The tops should remain pale, so avoid overbaking.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
5. Roll in Powdered Sugar:
- While the cookies are still slightly warm, roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra snowy finish, roll the cookies in powdered sugar a second time once they’re fully cooled.
Tips for the Perfect Russian Tea Cakes
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bottoms of the cookies—they should be lightly golden, while the tops remain pale. Overbaking can make the cookies dry.
- Customize the Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, swap them out for walnuts or almonds.
- Double Coating: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice gives them that perfect, snowy coating.
Why You’ll Love This Russian Tea Cakes Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like butter, sugar, and flour.
- Festive Appearance: The powdered sugar coating makes them perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Buttery and Nutty: A rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone will enjoy.
- Quick to Make: From start to finish, these cookies come together in under 30 minutes.
Conclusion: A Holiday Classic
This Russian Tea Cakes recipe is a must-make for the holiday season. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, gifting to friends and neighbors, or simply indulging with a cup of coffee, these cookies will never disappoint. Their buttery texture, delicate sweetness, and festive powdered sugar coating make them a timeless treat that’s loved by all.
So, grab your apron and start rolling—your kitchen will soon smell like the holidays!
