If you have a soft spot for melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are simple yet utterly delightful, the Russian Tea Balls Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These tender, nutty gems coated in a snowy layer of powdered sugar are the perfect treat for any occasion—from cozy winter evenings to festive celebrations. They combine buttery richness, a hint of vanilla, and the satisfying crunch of finely chopped nuts, creating a balance of flavors and textures that keep you reaching for just one more bite. Trust me, once you try this classic Russian Tea Balls Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your cookie jar and heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Russian Tea Balls Recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each component plays a crucial role, contributing to the luscious texture, subtle sweetness, and signature powdered sugar coating that makes these cookies irresistible.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy base and rich moisture that makes these cookies tender and luscious.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling): Sweetens the dough subtly and creates the iconic snowy finish when rolled.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, elevating the simple buttery flavor with a fragrant hint.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet delicate structure that holds everything together perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors beautifully.
- 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans: Brings a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that is the hallmark of this recipe.
How to Make Russian Tea Balls Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and full of promise. This step is key because it aerates the dough, helping the cookies to melt softly on your tongue once baked.
Step 2: Add Vanilla Extract
Mix in the vanilla extract next, infusing the dough with a sweet, aromatic boost that complements the buttery base perfectly. The vanilla is subtle but essential—it’s the little magic touch that pulls every flavor together.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and salt. Take your time with this step to ensure the dry ingredients are fully incorporated without overmixing, which can toughen the cookies. The dough should be soft but hold together when pressed.
Step 4: Fold in the Nuts
Fold in the finely chopped walnuts or pecans gently but thoroughly. The nuts provide texture and a toasty nuttiness that’s absolutely essential in Russian Tea Balls, making each bite rich and satisfying.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into uniform 1-inch balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart so they bake evenly without spreading into each other.
Step 6: Bake and Sugar-Coat
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for lightly golden bottoms as a sign that they’re perfectly done. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. While they are still warm, give each cookie a generous roll in powdered sugar. Once cooled completely, roll them again for that signature snowy finish that these Russian Tea Balls are famous for.
How to Serve Russian Tea Balls Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is a classic garnish here, but you can get creative by adding a light sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder for a twist on the traditional coating. Toasted nut pieces can be gently pressed on top before baking for a pretty, rustic look alongside the soft powdered sugar shell.
Side Dishes
Russian Tea Balls pair beautifully with warm, comforting beverages. Serve them alongside hot tea varieties like Earl Grey or spiced chai, or even a cup of rich hot chocolate. The cookies’ buttery sweetness complements these drinks perfectly, making them a fantastic companion for afternoon snacks or holiday gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, consider placing the Russian Tea Balls in decorative paper liners or arranging them in a tiered dessert stand to impress your guests. You can also package them in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons to give as charming homemade gifts. Their delicate appearance and delightful taste make them a universally loved treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, store your Russian Tea Balls in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep wonderfully for up to a week, maintaining their tender texture and sweet powdered sugar coating. Just make sure to keep them away from heat and humidity to prevent the sugar from melting.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead of time, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When stored properly, they can last for up to 3 months, ready for you to enjoy whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
While these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, you can refresh them by warming briefly in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may cause the powdered sugar coating to fade and the cookie to become too soft.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts besides walnuts or pecans?
Absolutely! While walnuts and pecans are traditional and offer great flavor and texture, hazelnuts or almonds can be excellent substitutes depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
Why are my Russian Tea Balls crumbly and falling apart?
This usually happens if the butter is too cold or the dough hasn’t been mixed enough. Make sure the butter is softened properly and that you cream it with the sugar thoroughly. Also, handle the dough gently but mix until just combined to keep the right texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, you can enjoy gluten-free Russian Tea Balls. Just ensure your flour blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best results.
Do Russian Tea Balls taste better fresh or after a day?
They are wonderful fresh out of the oven, but many find the flavor and powdered sugar coating actually improve after sitting for a day, as the buttery notes settle and flavors meld.
Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Definitely! This recipe contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients other than butter, which fits perfectly within a vegetarian diet.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the wonderful Russian Tea Balls Recipe in your repertoire, you’re equipped to bake a batch of these tender, nutty delights any time you want a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug. Whether for a holiday party, a cozy night in, or a thoughtful gift, this classic recipe never fails to charm with its simplicity and irresistible flavor. Give it a try—you’ll soon understand why this cookie has so many devoted fans around the world.
Print
Russian Tea Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Russian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Russian Tea Balls are tender, buttery cookies loaded with finely chopped nuts and coated in powdered sugar for a snowy finish. These delightful treats, also known as snowballs or Mexican wedding cookies, are perfect for holidays or any time you crave a sweet, nutty bite.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add vanilla extract: Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined, adding a sweet aroma and depth to the dough.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt into the butter mixture, stirring continuously until the dough is fully incorporated with no visible flour.
- Fold in nuts: Gently fold the finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough ensuring an even distribution of nuts throughout.
- Form dough balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a 1-inch ball using your hands.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms just start to turn a light golden color, indicating they are baked through but remain tender.
- Cool slightly and roll in sugar: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat them evenly.
- Final cooling and coating: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack, then roll them again in powdered sugar to achieve the signature snowy finish.
Notes
- These cookies are also known as snowballs or Mexican wedding cookies.
- Store the cookies well in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- They freeze beautifully, making them great for preparing ahead of time for holidays or special occasions.
