Oh my goodness, let me tell you about Russian Tea Cakes! These delightful little cookies are pure magic—soft, buttery, and just sweet enough to make your heart sing. When you take that first bite, you’re greeted with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, and the dusting of powdered sugar adds that irresistible touch of sweetness. Trust me, once you try Russian Tea Cakes, you’ll be hooked! They’re perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday celebrations, or just a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea. I love how simple they are to make, yet they feel so special and elegant. You’ll definitely want to keep this recipe close, because these cookies are sure to impress everyone who tries them!
What are Russian Tea Cakes?
Russian Tea Cakes, also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies, have a delightful history that traces back to various cultures around the world. These lovely little cookies are traditionally made with just a handful of simple ingredients, including butter, flour, and nuts, which create that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. Their subtle sweetness, combined with the generous dusting of powdered sugar, makes them truly irresistible. These cookies are often enjoyed during special occasions and holidays, adding a touch of charm to any dessert table. With every bite, you can taste the warmth and love that goes into making them!
Ingredients for Russian Tea Cakes
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the perfect Russian Tea Cakes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is the heart of the cookie, giving it that rich, buttery flavor.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that lovely melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor and adds warmth.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Essential for structure—don’t skimp on sifting for a lighter texture!
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts: I love using walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Additional powdered sugar for coating: This is what gives those cookies their signature snowy finish!
With these simple yet essential ingredients, you’re well on your way to baking a batch of irresistible Russian Tea Cakes!
How to Prepare Russian Tea Cakes
Making Russian Tea Cakes is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love the process! Let’s dive right in!
Preheat and Mix
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect bake! In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar. You want to beat them until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—this will take about 2-3 minutes. The air you incorporate here is what gives those cookies their lovely texture! Once that’s done, add in the vanilla extract and mix well to combine.
Form and Bake
Now it’s time to shape those little beauties! Gradually add the flour and salt to your buttery mixture, mixing until just combined. Then gently fold in the finely chopped nuts. Using your hands, shape the dough into small balls—about 1 inch in diameter works great. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space to spread. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you don’t want to overbake!
Sugar Coating
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar. This is where the magic happens! The warm cookies absorb that sweetness beautifully. After the initial roll, let them cool completely, and then roll them again in powdered sugar for that signature snowy finish. Trust me, that double coating makes all the difference and keeps them looking irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up, perfect for last-minute baking!
- Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that everyone adores.
- Ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy family get-togethers.
- Flexible enough to customize with different nuts or flavorings.
- They look so elegant with that snowy powdered sugar coating!
Tips for Success
To make your Russian Tea Cakes truly shine, here are some of my favorite pro tips. First, be sure your butter is softened, but not melted—this helps create that perfect texture. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter; just omit the added salt in the recipe. For a fun twist, try adding almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile. Be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the flour; this can lead to tough cookies. And remember, rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm is key to achieving that lovely, snowy coating! You’ve got this!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for each Russian Tea Cake cookie. Each cookie contains about 100 calories, 7g of fat (with 4g saturated fat), 1g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates, including 4g of sugar. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy these delightful treats in moderation as part of a balanced diet!
FAQ About Russian Tea Cakes
Got questions about Russian Tea Cakes? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries I often hear, and I’m here to help clear things up!
Can I use different nuts in Russian Tea Cakes?
Absolutely! While I love walnuts and pecans, you can use any finely chopped nuts you prefer, like almonds or hazelnuts. Each nut brings its own unique flavor and texture to the cookies!
Why are my cookies too crumbly?
If your Russian Tea Cakes are crumbling, it might be due to too much flour. Be sure to measure your flour accurately and avoid compacting it in the cup. Sifting the flour can also help create a lighter texture!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! These cookies are great for making in advance. You can bake them and store them in an airtight container for up to a week. Just remember to roll them in powdered sugar again before serving for that fresh look!
What’s the best way to store Russian Tea Cakes?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be frozen for up to two months—just let them thaw completely before enjoying!
If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious Russian Tea Cakes is super easy! Just pop them into an airtight container and keep them at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, but trust me, they rarely last that long! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to two months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat—these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature with that lovely powdered sugar coating still intact!
Print
Russian Tea Cakes: 5 Sweet Bites of Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Russian Tea Cakes are small, buttery cookies rolled in powdered sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- Additional powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the chopped nuts.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar.
- Allow to cool completely, then roll in powdered sugar again.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For a different flavor, try adding almond extract.
- These cookies are great for holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Russian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Russian Tea Cakes, cookies, dessert, holiday cookies
