Melt-In-Your-Mouth Russian Christmas Butter Cookies
These delightful Russian Butter Cookies are the epitome of holiday indulgence. Each bite reveals a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs beautifully with a sprinkle of confectioners' sugar. Perfect for gifting and sharing, these cookies are made with rich butter, finely sifted flour, and a choice of crunchy walnuts or pecans, delivering a festive crunch that complements their delicate sweetness. Whether enjoyed with a cup of warm cocoa or shared at a holiday gathering, these cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition in your festive baking repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 cup (softened)
confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup (for mixing)
flour
2 1/4 cups (sifted)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
chopped walnuts or pecans
3/4 cup (chopped)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup (for coating)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy.
3
Gradually blend in the sifted flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
4
Stir in the chopped walnuts or pecans and the vanilla extract, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.
5
Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least several hours or preferably overnight to enhance the flavors and make it easier to handle.
6
Once chilled, take small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls, placing them on ungreased baking sheets.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden; the tops should remain pale.
8
Immediately after removing from the oven, roll the warm cookies in the additional 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar to coat them generously.
9
Allow the cookies to cool on wire racks before rolling them in confectioners' sugar once more for an extra sweet finish.
10
Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and enjoy sharing them with loved ones.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Melt-In-Your-Mouth Russian Christmas Butter Cookies?
These are delicate holiday treats known for their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, enriched with butter and coated in confectioners' sugar.
How much butter is required for this recipe?
You will need 1 cup of softened butter for the cookie dough.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
What kind of sugar is used in the cookie dough?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar inside the dough.
Do I need to sift the flour?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 2 1/4 cups of sifted flour for the best texture.
What type of nuts can be used in these cookies?
You can use 3/4 cup of either chopped walnuts or pecans.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Is salt included in the ingredients?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of salt is added to the mixture.
How long should the dough be chilled?
The dough should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least several hours or preferably overnight.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling enhances the flavors and makes the dough easier to handle when rolling into balls.
What size should the cookie balls be?
The dough should be rolled into 1-inch balls.
Should I grease the baking sheets?
No, the cookies should be placed on ungreased baking sheets.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
They should bake for 10-12 minutes.
How can I tell when the cookies are finished baking?
The bottoms should be lightly golden, while the tops should remain pale.
When should I roll the cookies in confectioners' sugar?
Roll them in sugar immediately after removing them from the oven while they are still warm, and then again after they have cooled.
How much sugar is used for the coating?
An additional 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar is used for the coating process.
How should I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes, their festive appearance and delicate flavor make them perfect for holiday gifting.
Can I use a different type of extract?
While vanilla is standard, you can experiment, though vanilla provides the traditional flavor for these cookies.
What is the best way to cream the butter and sugar?
Use a large mixing bowl and beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Should the nuts be finely or coarsely chopped?
The recipe suggests chopped walnuts or pecans to provide a festive crunch.
Is the flour mixed in all at once?
The flour and salt should be gradually blended into the creamed butter and sugar.
Can I skip the second sugar coating?
The second coating is recommended for an extra sweet finish once the cookies are cool.
Are these cookies also known by other names?
Yes, they are often referred to as Russian Tea Cakes or Snowball cookies.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, the dough can be chilled overnight, making it a great make-ahead recipe.
What beverage pairs well with these cookies?
They pair beautifully with a cup of warm cocoa or tea.
Is a cooling rack necessary?
Yes, using a wire rack allows the cookies to cool evenly before the final sugar coating.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients including butter, sugar, flour, salt, nuts, vanilla, and extra sugar for coating.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The primary flavors are rich butter, sweet vanilla, and toasted nuts.
Why is it important to sift the flour?
Sifting ensures there are no lumps and contributes to the signature 'melt-in-your-mouth' light texture.