Description
Russian Tea Balls are classic holiday cookies known for their tender, buttery texture and nutty flavor. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy finish, making them perfect for festive occasions or gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating)
- 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 (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated, enhancing the flavor of the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing continuously until the dough forms and is fully combined.
- Stir in Nuts: Fold in the finely chopped walnuts or pecans evenly throughout the dough, giving each cookie a delicious nutty taste and texture.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands, then place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through but still tender.
- First Sugar Coating: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes — while still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to adhere the first coat.
- Final Cooling and Coating: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, then roll them in powdered sugar once more for a snowy, festive finish.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts or pecans with almonds or hazelnuts based on your preference.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
- These cookies make excellent holiday gifts and are perfect for winter celebrations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Russian-American
