Russian Tea Cakes
Indulge in the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Russian tea cakes, also known as snowball cookies. This delightful treat, with its rich, buttery flavor and nutty crunch, is perfect for tea time or any festive gathering. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the flavors to shine, making them a favorite for cookie lovers. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy yet delicious recipe that will transport you straight to a cozy Russian kitchen!
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 (walnuts or pecans)
– Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 15-20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately 120 calories, 9g fat, 9g carbohydrates, and 1g protein. This information is based on one cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined.
5. Fold in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
9. While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar until fully coated.
10. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the nuts with seeds for a nut-free version, or use coconut flour for a gluten-free option. Additionally, flavored extracts like almond can replace vanilla for a unique twist.
Serving and Pairings
Russian tea cakes pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. They also make a delightful addition to dessert platters during holidays or special occasions.
Storage and Reheating
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. There’s no need to reheat; enjoy them cold or at room temperature.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies; mix just until combined.
- Not rolling the cookies evenly can cause uneven baking.
- Using cold butter instead of softened will affect texture.
- Baking cookies at too high a temperature can burn them.
- Forgetting to roll in powdered sugar while warm can lead to less coverage.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for easier handling.
- Experiment with different nuts for varied flavors.
- Make sure to sift powdered sugar for a fine dusting.
- Store in a single layer to prevent crushing.
FAQs
What are Russian tea cakes?
Russian tea cakes are buttery, nutty cookies rolled in powdered sugar, known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture. They are often served with tea and enjoyed during festive occasions.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, baked cookies can be frozen for later enjoyment.
What nuts can I use in this recipe?
Common options include walnuts and pecans, but you can also use almonds or hazelnuts depending on your taste preference.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be lightly golden on the bottoms when done. They will remain pale on top, so check the bottom for doneness.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used, it may alter the flavor and texture. For best results, use unsalted butter for that classic taste.
Conclusion
Russian tea cakes are a timeless treat that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Their simplicity and delightful flavor make them a perfect choice for both casual and festive occasions. Whether paired with a cup of tea or enjoyed on their own, these cookies are sure to become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.
Russian Tea Cakes
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 walnuts or pecans
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar.
- Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.