Savory Nutty Tea Cakes
These delightful Savory Nutty Tea Cakes, inspired by traditional Russian Tea Cakes and Mexican Wedding Cakes, are melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Originating from a treasured recipe on Joyofbaking.com, these cookies became a beloved favorite during a fun baking day with friends. The aromatic blend of toasted walnuts or hazelnuts, combined with rich unsalted butter and a hint of vanilla, creates a heavenly experience that leaves you wanting more. With their sugary coating and tender crumbliness, these cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also bring a touch of nostalgia to every bite. Enjoy these delightful treats with a cup of tea or coffee, and you might find it hard to stop at just one!
N/A
Servings
60
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Walnuts or Hazelnuts
2/3 cup (toasted and finely ground)
Unsalted Butter
1 cup (room temperature)
Confectioners' Sugar
1/4 cup (for the dough)
Pure Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (none)
All-Purpose Flour
2 cups (divided)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Confectioners' Sugar
1 cup (for rolling)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2
Toast the nuts on a baking sheet for about 8 minutes or until they are lightly brown and fragrant. Let them cool completely.
3
Once cooled, combine the toasted nuts and 2 tablespoons of flour in a food processor fitted with a metal blade, processing until finely ground (but not a paste). Alternatively, you can chop the nuts by hand until finely ground. Set aside.
4
Using an electric mixer or a hand mixer, cream together the room-temperature butter and 1/4 cup of confectioners' sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, roughly 2 minutes.
5
Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
6
Gradually add the remaining all-purpose flour and salt into the creamed mixture, beating until combined.
7
Fold in the ground nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed within the dough.
8
Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 1 hour, or until it firms up.
9
Once firm, use a spoon to scoop the dough and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
10
Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until you see the edges beginning to brown.
11
After baking, let the cookies cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes.
12
While they are still warm, roll the cookies in sifted powdered sugar, then return them to the rack to cool completely.
13
Store the cookies in an airtight container where they will keep fresh for up to 10 days.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
5g
Carbs
1g
Protein
2g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Nutty Tea Cakes?
These are melt-in-your-mouth cookies inspired by traditional Russian Tea Cakes and Mexican Wedding Cakes with a tender crumbliness.
Where did this recipe originate?
The recipe is inspired by a treasured favorite from Joyofbaking.com and was popularized during a baking day with friends.
What types of nuts can I use for this recipe?
You can use either 2/3 cup of walnuts or hazelnuts for these cookies.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
How long do I need to toast the nuts?
Toast the nuts on a baking sheet for about 8 minutes or until they are lightly brown and fragrant.
How should the toasted nuts be ground?
Combine the cooled nuts with 2 tablespoons of flour in a food processor and process until finely ground but not a paste.
Can I grind the nuts without a food processor?
Yes, you can chop the nuts by hand until they are finely ground.
How much butter is needed for the Savory Nutty Tea Cakes?
The recipe requires 1 cup of unsalted butter at room temperature.
How long should I cream the butter and sugar?
Cream the butter and 1/4 cup of confectioners' sugar using an electric mixer for roughly 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
When should I add the vanilla extract?
Mix in the 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract after creaming the butter and sugar until it is fully incorporated.
How is the flour added to the mixture?
Gradually add the remaining all-purpose flour and salt into the creamed mixture, beating until combined.
When do I add the ground nuts to the dough?
Fold the ground nuts into the dough after the flour is incorporated, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Do I need to refrigerate the dough?
Yes, cover the dough and refrigerate it for about 1 hour or until it firms up.
What size should I roll the dough balls?
Once the dough is firm, roll it into 1-inch balls.
How much space should I leave between cookies on the baking sheet?
Leave about 2 inches between each cookie ball on the prepared baking sheets.
How long do the tea cakes bake?
Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven.
How can I tell when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are ready when you see the edges beginning to turn brown.
Should I let the cookies cool before coating them in sugar?
Let the cookies cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes before rolling them in sugar while they are still warm.
How much sugar is used for rolling the cookies?
Use 1 cup of sifted confectioners' sugar for rolling the warm cookies.
How should Savory Nutty Tea Cakes be stored?
Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
How long will the cookies stay fresh?
These cookies will keep fresh for up to 10 days when stored properly.
How many calories are in one cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 60 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each cookie has 4 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each tea cake?
There are 5 grams of carbohydrates per cookie.
How much sugar is in one cookie?
Each cookie contains 2 grams of sugar.
What is the protein content of these cookies?
There is 1 gram of protein in each serving.
What should I use to line the baking sheets?
Line the baking sheets with parchment paper for the best results.
Is salt used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt mixed with the flour.
What is the best way to enjoy these cookies?
These treats are best enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
Are these cookies suitable for holiday baking?
Yes, they are perfect for holiday baking, party treats, and nostalgic snacking.