Russian Tea Cakes, also known as snowball cookies, are a delightful holiday treat that melts in your mouth, leaving a buttery, nutty finish that satisfies every sweet craving. These cookies have been a cherished family tradition for generations, brought over by my grandmother, Bubba, who immigrated from Lithuania. Now, it’s a beloved recipe that brings joy every holiday season, symbolizing love, warmth, and the spirit of giving. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, New Year’s, or just enjoying a cozy winter afternoon, these cookies add a touch of nostalgia and homemade goodness to any occasion.
The combination of buttery dough, powdered sugar coating, and finely chopped walnuts creates a perfect texture and taste balance. These cookies are incredibly simple to make with basic pantry ingredients, yet they give off a sophisticated bakery-worthy vibe. The ease of preparation ensures that even beginner bakers can enjoy success. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll cover everything from creating the dough to baking, cooling, and finishing these cookies with a snowy powdered sugar coating. Let’s bring some sweetness and tradition to your kitchen with these classic Russian Tea Cakes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Goodness: Buttery and tender cookies that satisfy every sweet tooth.
- Holiday Tradition: A beloved family recipe passed down through generations.
- Easy Ingredients: Made with common pantry staples that are always on hand.
- Customizable Texture: Add more or less walnuts for that nutty crunch.
- Perfect for Gifting: A thoughtful and delicious treat for friends and family.
- Quick Prep: Simple steps ensure fast and easy baking, even for beginners.
- Classic Bakery Taste: A sophisticated flavor profile reminiscent of homemade bakery treats
Ingredients Overview
For the Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
For Rolling:
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar, or more as needed
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Preheat the Oven
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper if desired. This ensures the cookies won’t stick and will help with even baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Vanilla
In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Creaming the butter and vanilla well is essential to create the rich, tender texture of these Russian Tea Cakes.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons powdered sugar
Gradually add this flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just blended. The dough will be crumbly at this point but should hold together when pressed. Fold in 1 cup of finely chopped walnuts, ensuring that they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough
Step 4: Form the Dough Balls
Take small scoops of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them between your hands to form 1-inch balls. Place these dough balls on ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The spacing allows for slight expansion during baking and ensures the cookies maintain their shape
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Keep a close eye to prevent over-baking, as these cookies need to retain their tender texture.
Step 6: Cool the Cookies
Remove the cookie sheets from the oven and transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack. Let them cool for about 15 minutes. This step ensures that the cookies set properly and maintain their shape before rolling in powdered sugar
Step 7: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Place ⅓ cup of powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Once the cookies have cooled completely, roll each cookie in the powdered sugar, ensuring a generous coating. Roll them once or twice for a snowy appearance. The powdered sugar adds that iconic snowy look and balances the buttery taste with a touch of sweetness.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these delightful cookies during holidays, gatherings, or just as a sweet treat for yourself. Pair them with coffee or tea to enjoy a cozy experience reminiscent of a classic winter treat. Store them in an airtight container or gift them to friends and family as a thoughtful holiday treat
How to Store Russian Tea Cakes
- Room Temperature Storage: Place the cookies in a shallow, airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing: Freeze the cookies before rolling them in powdered sugar. Place them on a baking sheet, flash freeze for a few hours, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator, then roll them in powdered sugar before serving
Tips for the Best Russian Tea Cakes
- Use High-Quality Butter: It adds a rich, buttery flavor to your cookies.
- Chop Walnuts Finely: A fine chop ensures a smoother texture rather than large, uneven pieces.
- Don’t Over-Bake: Bake until the edges are just golden to maintain a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Cold Butter: Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best dough consistency
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use different nuts in the recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts based on your preference and availability.
Q: Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
A: Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a delicious variation that adds a fun twist to the classic Russian Tea Cakes.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a similar texture
How to Serve and Enjoy
- As a Holiday Treat: Perfect for Christmas, New Year’s, or any winter celebration.
- Gifting: Pack these cookies in decorative tins to share with friends and family.
- Tea Time Delight: Serve alongside tea or coffee for a cozy, delightful treat experience.
Conclusion
Russian Tea Cakes are a timeless, delightful treat that brings warmth, tradition, and sweetness to any gathering. With buttery dough, a hint of vanilla, and the crunch of walnuts, these cookies create a nostalgic holiday experience that warms hearts and brings families together. A simple yet iconic treat, they’re perfect for sharing, gifting, and enjoying with loved ones.
These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are not just desserts; they’re a symbol of love, tradition, and holiday spirit, ensuring that every bite is a delightful trip down memory lane with each generation enjoying this classic treat.
