Buttery Russian Tea Balls Recipe
Russian Tea Balls (also known as Russian Tea Cakes, Snowball Cookies, or Mexican Wedding Cookies) are a classic holiday treat that are light, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. With their delicate buttery flavor and sweet powdered sugar coating, they are perfect for any occasion, especially around the holidays. These cookies are incredibly easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, but adds a nice crunch)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The sugar should dissolve into the butter, making it pale and creamy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the flour, salt, and chopped walnuts or pecans (if using). Mix until the dough starts to come together. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too soft, you can refrigerate it for about 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle.
4. Form the Cookies:
- Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball using your hands. Place the balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. You can roll them slightly larger or smaller depending on your preference, but keep in mind they will not spread much while baking.
5. Bake the Cookies:
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. The cookies should be firm but still light in color, so be careful not to over-bake them.
6. Coat with Powdered Sugar:
- While the cookies are cooling slightly on the baking sheet, place about 1/2 cup of powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.
- As soon as the cookies are cool enough to handle (but still warm), gently roll each one in the powdered sugar to coat completely. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once they are completely cool, you can roll them in powdered sugar one more time to make them even sweeter and dusted with a snow-like finish.
Serving and Storage:
- Serving: These cookies are best served with a hot cup of tea or coffee. They make wonderful gifts when packaged in pretty tins or boxes.
- Storage: Store your Russian Tea Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They also freeze well. To freeze, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply let them thaw and roll them in fresh powdered sugar if needed.
Tips for Success:
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft or sticky to handle, refrigerating it for 15-20 minutes will make it easier to roll into balls.
- Nut-Free Option: If you’re allergic to nuts or prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts and proceed with the rest of the recipe. You can even substitute with a small amount of dried fruit (like finely chopped cranberries) for a bit of variation.
- Double the Recipe: These cookies are so popular, especially during the holidays, so consider doubling the recipe if you need to make a larger batch for a crowd or for gift-giving.
Why You’ll Love These Buttery Russian Tea Balls:
- Delicate and Melt-in-Your-Mouth: The texture of these cookies is light and crumbly, and they practically melt in your mouth.
- Perfect for Gift-Giving: These cookies are a popular choice for holiday cookie trays, and they look beautiful when packaged in festive tins.
- Versatile Flavor: You can adjust the nuts or even leave them out entirely. They’re also delicious with a little bit of cinnamon or cocoa powder added for extra flavor.
These Buttery Russian Tea Balls are a timeless treat that brings joy to any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or an afternoon tea. Their sweet, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture will keep everyone coming back for more!