Imagine a cookie so delicate, so irresistibly tender, that it practically dissolves on your tongue the moment it touches your lips! These Old World Russian Tea Cakes are not just a dessert – they're a culinary time machine that transports you to cozy Russian kitchens and centuries-old baking traditions. With their snowball-like appearance and buttery, nutty flavor, these cookies are the secret weapon in any baker's recipe collection that will have your friends and family begging for more.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Russian
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the mixture, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts using a spatula or wooden spoon. Ensure the nuts are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
- While the cookies are still warm, roll them in additional powdered sugar to coat them completely. This will give them a lovely snowy appearance.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can roll them in powdered sugar again if desired.
- Store the Old World Russian Tea Cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee!
Tips
- Use room temperature butter for the smoothest, most luxurious dough consistency.
- Don't overmix the flour – this can make your cookies tough instead of delightfully tender.
- Choose your nuts carefully – walnuts or pecans work best for authentic flavor.
- Make sure to roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they're still warm for the best coating.
- For extra elegance, use a fine-mesh sieve when dusting with powdered sugar for an even, snow-like finish.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
- These cookies actually taste better after a day, as the flavors meld and intensify.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
