The Perfect Russian Tea Cakes Recipe for Sweet Celebrations

Delicate russian tea cakes dance between crumbly sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth magic, creating winter memories that linger.

Powdery sugar coats these delightful cookies like soft snowflakes on a quiet morning.

Grandmothers across generations have perfected this simple yet elegant treat that whispers comfort.

Each tiny sphere carries hints of vanilla and toasted nuts, promising a moment of pure bliss.

Baking these delicate cookies fills kitchens with warmth and nostalgia, inviting loved ones closer.

Perfectly bite-sized and irresistibly tender, these little treasures await your loving touch.

You’ll want to savor every delicate crumb and share the joy with everyone around you.

Why Russian Tea Cakes Are a Classic Favorite

• Craft with Minimal Ingredients: Requires just a handful of basic pantry staples that most home bakers already have on hand, making spontaneous baking a breeze.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Delivers a delicate, crumbly texture with rich nutty undertones that create an irresistibly smooth and luxurious eating experience.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, and special celebrations where guests appreciate classic, elegant desserts that look professionally made.
• Quick Baking Adventure: Simple step-by-step process allows both novice and experienced bakers to create beautiful cookies with minimal technical skills and minimal preparation time.

What You’ll Need for Russian Tea Cakes

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides a smooth texture and delightful flavor to the cookies.
• Powdered Sugar: Delivers a sweet taste and creates the signature snowy coating for the Russian Tea Cakes.
• Flour: The structural component that helps bind the cookie dough together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies.

• Chopped Nuts: Provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the delicate sweetness of the cookies.

• Salt, Vanilla Extract: Balances and intensifies the overall flavor profile of the Russian Tea Cakes.

Easy Steps to Bake These Buttery Snowballs

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and smooth cookie removal.

Step 2: Whip The Butter

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. Add vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile of the cookies.

Step 3: Create The Dough Base

Gradually incorporate flour and salt into the butter mixture. Mix until a cohesive dough forms, being careful not to overmix, which can make the cookies tough.

• Flour
• Salt

Step 4: Add Nutty Goodness

Gently fold chopped nuts into the dough, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Shape The Cookies

Roll the dough into small, compact round balls about 1 inch in diameter. Aim for consistent sizing to ensure even baking.

Step 6: Prepare For Baking

Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 1.5 inches apart to allow room for slight spreading during baking.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Look for a delicate golden edge without browning, which signals the cookies are perfectly cooked.

Step 8: Initial Cooling

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes, allowing them to firm up slightly.

Step 9: First Sugar Coating

While the cookies are still warm but not hot, carefully roll each one in powdered sugar, creating a delicate, snow-like first coating.

Step 10: Final Sugar Dusting

Once the cookies have cooled completely on a wire rack, roll them a second time in powdered sugar for an extra thick and elegant finish.

Step 11: Store And Preserve

Store the cookies in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to maintain their delicate texture and prevent sticking.

Tips for Tender, Powdered Tea Cakes

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour and powdered sugar to ensure the perfect texture and consistency of your Russian tea cakes.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain the cookies' round shape during baking.
• Handle with Care: Use a light touch when rolling cookies in powdered sugar to avoid breaking the delicate cookies and maintain their soft, crumbly texture.
• Nut Selection Matters: Choose finely chopped pecans or walnuts for the most authentic flavor and best texture in these traditional cookies.
• Cool Completely: Let cookies cool entirely before final powdered sugar coating to prevent sugar from melting and ensure a beautiful, thick white finish.

Flavor Ideas for Russian Tea Cake Fans

• Chocolate Chip Celebration: Replace chopped nuts with mini chocolate chips for a rich, sweet variation that adds delightful chocolatey bursts to the classic cookie.
• Almond Essence Adventure: Swap vanilla extract with almond extract and use ground almonds instead of traditional nuts, creating a nutty, fragrant cookie with subtle sophistication.
• Citrus Burst Option: Add fresh orange or lemon zest to the dough and roll cookies in a mixture of powdered sugar and citrus-flavored sugar for a bright, tangy flavor profile.
• Espresso Crunch Remix: Mix finely ground espresso beans into the flour and incorporate chopped dark chocolate, offering a robust and sophisticated adult-friendly cookie experience.

Great Pairings for Russian Tea Cakes

• Pair with Warm Beverages: Complement the nutty, sweet Russian Tea Cakes with hot coffee, chai tea, or rich hot chocolate to enhance their delicate flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Matching Dessert Wines: Select a sweet dessert wine like moscato or port to balance the cookies' powdery sweetness and nutty undertones, creating a luxurious tasting experience.
• Create a Winter Treat Combo: Serve alongside spiced apple cider or mulled wine for a cozy, festive pairing that brings out the warmth and comfort of these traditional holiday cookies.
• Elevate with Seasonal Spirits: Enjoy with a small glass of amaretto or hazelnut liqueur to amplify the nutty notes and provide a sophisticated adult twist to the classic treat.

How to Store Russian Tea Cakes the Smart Way

• Place Russian Tea Cakes in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate powdered sugar coating. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent potential spoilage.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring they remain protected from freezer burn and moisture.
• Store in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, keeping them away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Place a piece of bread in the container to help maintain moisture and prevent the cookies from becoming too dry.
• Pack Russian Tea Cakes carefully between layers of parchment paper inside a rigid container with minimal extra space.

Russian Tea Cake FAQs Answered

• Why are they called Russian Tea Cakes?

Despite the name, these cookies aren’t actually Russian. They’re popular in many countries and known by different names like Mexican Wedding Cookies or Snowball Cookies, originating from European baking traditions.

• Can I use different nuts instead of the specified type?

Absolutely! While traditional recipes often use walnuts or pecans, you can easily substitute with almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts based on your preference or availability.

• How do I prevent the cookies from crumbling?

Make sure to handle the cookies gently when rolling in powdered sugar. Let them cool slightly after baking but still be warm, which helps the sugar adhere better without breaking the delicate cookie structure.

Russian Tea Cakes Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet Russian tea cakes melt delicately on your tongue, bringing winter holiday magic from Eastern European kitchens. Powdered sugar-dusted cookies crumble with delicate walnut richness, promising warm comfort in each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Additional Flavoring:

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Coating:

• 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Cream the butter and initial powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl until smooth and fluffy, incorporating the vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
3. Gradually fold in the flour and salt, mixing until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
4. Gently fold the chopped nuts into the dough, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Shape the dough into small, compact round balls approximately 1 inch in diameter, ensuring uniform size for consistent baking.
6. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1.5 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for a delicate golden edge without browning, which indicates they are perfectly cooked.
8. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes to firm up slightly.
9. While still warm but not hot, carefully roll each cookie in the reserved powdered sugar, creating a delicate, snow-like coating.
10. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack, then roll them a second time in powdered sugar for an extra thick, elegant finish.
11. Store in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth, creamy mixing without lumps.
• Chop nuts finely to distribute evenly and prevent large chunks disrupting the delicate cookie texture.
• Use a light touch when rolling cookies in powdered sugar to maintain their tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• For gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free blend, keeping the same measurements.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg