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Looking for a festive, melt-in-your-mouth treat? These Russian Tea Balls—also known as snowball cookies or Mexican wedding cookies—are a timeless addition to any holiday table. With a buttery texture, crunchy walnuts, and a powdered sugar coating, they’re perfect for Christmas, special occasions, or simply sharing with loved ones !
Why You’ll Love These Russian Tea Balls
- Classic Holiday Favorite: Perfect for Christmas, weddings, or any festive occasion.
- Buttery Goodness: The melt-in-your-mouth texture makes these irresistible.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and steps for a no-fuss recipe.
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies store well and make great homemade gifts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup walnuts (chopped)
- Powdered sugar (for coating)
How to Make Russian Tea Balls
Step 1: Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Vanilla
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture.
Step 3: Stir in the Walnuts
Fold in the chopped walnuts until evenly combined with the dough.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 5: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Once the cookies are cooled slightly, roll each cookie in powdered sugar until fully coated. Allow them to cool completely before serving.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Make Ahead: Freeze the dough balls and bake fresh when needed.
Variations and Substitutions
- Change the Nuts: Substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for variety.
- Add Spice: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle with melted chocolate for a decadent touch.
- Citrus Zest: Add orange zest for a fresh, citrusy twist.
What to Serve with Russian Tea Balls
- Hot Cocoa: Perfectly pairs with these sweet, buttery cookies.
- Tea or Coffee: Complement the flavors with a cup of Earl Grey or black coffee.
- Dessert Platter: Include these with other festive cookies like thumbprints or shortbread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other nuts in this recipe?
Yes! Try pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts to suit your preference.
How do I store Russian tea balls?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Roll into balls and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
These Russian Tea Balls will impress with their delicate texture, buttery flavor, and festive powdered sugar coating. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or a special event, these cookies are sure to be the star of the dessert table!
Russian Tea Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup walnuts chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- powdered sugar
Instructions
- Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Combine all-purpose flour and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture while mixing.
- Stir in chopped walnuts until well combined.
- Form the dough into 1" balls and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 325°F for about 20 minutes.
- Cool the cookies, then roll them in powdered sugar for a final touch.