Buttery Russian Tea Balls Recipe
These Buttery Russian Tea Balls, also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Snowball Cookies, are a timeless holiday favorite. Tender, buttery, and delicately crumbly, they practically melt in your mouth. Rolled in powdered sugar, they’re a festive addition to Christmas cookie trays, cookie exchanges, or an elegant treat alongside tea or coffee.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans are ideal)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the powdered sugar until the mixture is creamy, light, and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Fold in the finely chopped nuts, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
4. Shape the Cookies
Roll portions of dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
5. Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are a light golden color. The tops should remain pale. Avoid overbaking, as these cookies are delicate and can dry out.
6. Coat in Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While they are still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, roll them in powdered sugar a second time for a beautiful, snowy finish.
Tips for Perfect Russian Tea Balls
- Chop the nuts finely: This gives the cookies a smoother, more tender texture.
- Double sugar coating: Rolling the cookies twice in powdered sugar creates the classic snowy holiday look and adds extra sweetness.
- Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They also make great make-ahead holiday treats.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies without nuts?
Yes. You can omit the nuts entirely. The cookies will still be rich, buttery, and crumbly—just with a slightly different texture.
Can these cookies be frozen?
Yes, they freeze very well. Bake the cookies and let them cool completely, but do not roll them in powdered sugar before freezing. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2–3 months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and then roll in powdered sugar, coating them once or twice as desired.
These Buttery Russian Tea Balls are a classic holiday cookie you’ll want to bake every year. Simple to make, delicately sweet, and wonderfully nutty, they’re a must-have on any festive dessert table.
