Ah, Russian Tea Cakes! Just saying the name makes me feel all warm and cozy. These delightful little treats are truly my go-to cookie during the holiday season, though I can snack on them year-round without a hint of guilt. I remember the first time I took a bite—sweet, nutty, and oh-so-buttery. My childhood friend’s grandma used to whip up a batch for every holiday gathering, and watching her roll the cookies in powdered sugar was like witnessing magic! Every crumb was a fluffy, buttery delight, and I couldn’t resist sneaking a few while they were still warm.
The best part about these cookies? They are super easy to make and require just a handful of ingredients. Plus, they’re the perfect complement to a hot cup of tea (or coffee, if that’s more your style). So, whether you’re trying to impress at a holiday party or just craving a sweet treat, let me show you how to make these heavenly little gems!
What’s in Russian Tea Cakes?
Butter: The base of the cookie—make sure to use unsalted for the perfect balance of flavors. It gives these cookies that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave.
Powdered Sugar: This sweet ingredient is key! It sweetens the dough and, of course, is used to coat the cookies, adding a snowy finish that’s just so charming.
Flour: All-purpose flour works just fine. It helps provide that perfect structure without being too heavy.
Walnuts (or Pecans): These bring a wonderful nuttiness to the cookies. I always use walnuts, but pecans can add a nice twist if you’re feeling adventurous.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of this adds a lovely depth of flavor. Trust me, don’t skip it!
Salt: Just a pinch helps enhance all the flavors in these sweet little clouds!
Is Russian Tea Cakes Good for You?
Now, let’s get real for a second. While Russian Tea Cakes aren’t exactly health food, they do have some redeeming qualities.
Walnuts: These little guys are packed with healthy fatty acids, antioxidants, and even a bit of protein. So, they help make your indulgence a tad more guilt-free.
Butter: Sure, it’s rich and creamy, but using it in moderation does allow you to enjoy a lovely taste while knowing you’re treating yourself, just a smidge.
With most baked treats, it’s all about balance, right? Enjoying one or two cookies with a warm drink can be a delightful little escape—just don’t eat the whole batch in one sitting (though I’ll admit it’s tempting!).
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup finely chopped walnuts (or pecans)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
This recipe yields about 24 cookies, depending on how big you decide to make them—small, bite-sized ones are my favorite!
How to Make Russian Tea Cakes?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this step is key to getting those cookies just right!
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add in the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4. Gradually stir in the flour and salt until just incorporated. You don’t want to overmix it!
5. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale and soft.
8. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, while they’re still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar until they’re beautifully coated.
9. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving—if you can resist them for that long!
Sweet Suggestions for Enjoyment
– Serve with a warm cup of tea or coffee for that cozy vibe.
– For a fun twist, try experimenting with different nuts like almonds or even hazelnuts.
– These cookies are perfect for holiday gift-giving, just package them in a nice tin with a bow!
I hope you try your hand at making these delightful Russian Tea Cakes! They bring back so many fond memories, and I know they’ll become a beloved recipe in your household too. If you do make them, I’d love to hear what you think. Happy baking!
