Classic Russian Tea Cakes with Nutty Delight
Indulge in the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delight of Classic Russian Tea Cakes, also known as snowball cookies. This timeless recipe blends rich flavors of butter and vanilla with finely chopped nuts, resulting in a tender, crumbly texture that is simply irresistible. Dust them generously with powdered sugar for a sweet finish that complements their nutty essence. Perfect for festive gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Share the joy of baking with loved ones and create cherished memories with this delicious and easy-to-follow recipe.
48
Servings
50
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter or margarine
1 cup (softened)
powdered sugar
1/2 cup (for dough)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups (sifted)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
finely chopped nuts
3/4 cup (of choice, e.g., walnuts or pecans)
powdered sugar
as needed (for dusting)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and prepare a large, ungreased baking sheet.
2
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter or margarine, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3
Gradually mix in the sifted all-purpose flour and salt until fully combined, followed by stirring in the finely chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4
Using your hands, shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 9 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
6
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
7
While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar until well coated, then allow them to cool completely on the wire rack.
8
For an extra touch of sweetness, roll the cooled cookies in powdered sugar one more time before serving.
Nutrition Information
0.5g
Protein
10mg
Sodium
6.7mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Classic Russian Tea Cakes?
Classic Russian Tea Cakes are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth snowball cookies that blend rich flavors of butter and vanilla with finely chopped nuts.
What is another common name for these cookies?
They are also widely known as snowball cookies.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
No, you should use a large, ungreased baking sheet for these cookies.
How should the butter be prepared for the dough?
The butter or margarine should be softened before beating it with the other ingredients.
What is the best way to mix the butter and sugar?
Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat together the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
How much powdered sugar goes into the cookie dough?
The dough requires 1/2 cup of powdered sugar.
Should the flour be sifted for this recipe?
Yes, the 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour should be sifted before being added to the mixture.
What kind of nuts are recommended?
You can use your choice of finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans.
When should I add the nuts to the dough?
Stir in the finely chopped nuts until they are evenly distributed after mixing in the flour and salt.
How do I shape the Russian Tea Cakes?
Use your hands to shape the dough into 1-inch balls.
How far apart should the dough balls be placed on the baking sheet?
The dough balls should be placed about 2 inches apart.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 9 minutes.
How can I tell when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are done when they are set but not browned; you should keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.
What is the cooling process for these cookies?
Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
When is the first time I should roll the cookies in powdered sugar?
Roll each cookie in powdered sugar while they are still warm until they are well coated.
Should I roll the cookies in sugar more than once?
Yes, roll the cooled cookies in powdered sugar a second time for an extra touch of sweetness.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 48 servings.
What is the calorie count for one Russian Tea Cake?
Each cookie contains approximately 50 calories.
How much protein is in each cookie?
There is 0.5g of protein per serving.
What is the sodium content per serving?
Each cookie contains 10mg of sodium.
What is the cholesterol content per serving?
Each cookie contains 6.7mg of cholesterol.
What type of vanilla extract is suggested?
The recipe suggests using pure vanilla extract.
What is the texture of these cookies?
They have a tender, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Is this a difficult recipe to follow?
No, it is described as an easy-to-follow recipe that is great for sharing the joy of baking.
What category of food does this fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.
For what occasions are these cookies best suited?
They are perfect for festive gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a cozy afternoon treat.
How much salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 cup of butter or margarine.
How much flour is needed for the dough?
You will need 2 1/4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.