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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cream the butter and initial powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl until smooth and fluffy, incorporating the vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Gradually fold in the flour and salt, mixing until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
- Gently fold the chopped nuts into the dough, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Shape the dough into small, compact round balls approximately 1 inch in diameter, ensuring uniform size for consistent baking.
- Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1.5 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for a delicate golden edge without browning, which indicates they are perfectly cooked.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes to firm up slightly.
- While still warm but not hot, carefully roll each cookie in the reserved powdered sugar, creating a delicate, snow-like coating.
- 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.
- 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