Russian Tea Cakes Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that melts in your mouth, look no further than Russian Tea Cakes! These little cookies, also known as snowball cookies or Mexican wedding cookies, are easy to make and absolutely delightful. In this guide, we’ll explore everything from the history of these tasty bites to the perfect recipe and variations to try out.

What Are Russian Tea Cakes?

Russian Tea Cakes are buttery, nutty cookies rolled in powdered sugar. They’re usually made with ground nuts, flour, butter, and a little vanilla. Despite their name, you don’t have to serve them at tea time—they’re perfect anytime! And the best part? They can be made with halal ingredients, making them a delicious treat for everyone.

A Brief History of Russian Tea Cakes

These cookies have a rich history that dates back generations. They’re believed to have originated in Eastern Europe, with variations popping up in many cultures. The soft, crumbly texture makes them perfect for festive occasions. People often bake them during holidays or family gatherings, serving them alongside tea or coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delightful cookies, you need a handful of simple, halal-friendly ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup ground nuts (walnuts or almonds work great)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

These ingredients are pretty standard, and you can often find them at your local grocery store or halal market.

Equipment You’ll Need

Before you start baking, gather the following equipment:

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rolling pin
  • Cooling rack
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Step-by-Step Directions

Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making the cookies! Follow these steps for a batch of delicious Russian Tea Cakes.

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

2. Add Vanilla and Mix

Next, add in the vanilla extract and mix until it’s all combined. The vanilla will give your cookies a rich flavor that you and your family will love.

3. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the all-purpose flour, ground nuts, and salt. Mix on low speed until everything is well combined. The dough will be soft and a bit crumbly, but that’s just right!

4. Shape the Cookies

Now comes the fun part! Scoop out a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball (about the size of a walnut). Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them as they will spread.

5. Bake Them Up

Pop the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they’re lightly browned on the bottom. Keep an eye on them; you want them just golden enough but not too dark.

6. Roll in Powdered Sugar

Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes. Then, while they’re still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar. This gives them that beautiful snowy look! You can roll them in sugar again once they’ve cooled completely for extra sweetness.

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7. Let Them Cool

Finally, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and let them cool completely. This will help them firm up and make them easier to handle.

Variations to Try

While the classic version is delicious, feel free to mix it up a bit! Here are some variations that can add a little twist to your Russian Tea Cakes:

Chocolate Russian Tea Cakes

Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey spin. You can also add mini chocolate chips!

Spice it Up

For a little extra warmth, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. This gives your cookies a festive flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.

Nutty Flavors

Experiment with different types of nuts! Pecans, hazelnuts, or even pistachios can give these cookies a unique taste.

Storage Tips

These cookies store really well! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If you want them to last even longer, pop them in the fridge or freezer. Just make sure to roll them in powdered sugar again after thawing.

FAQs About Russian Tea Cakes

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter gives the best flavor, you can use margarine if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just make sure it has similar fat content.

2. What nuts can I use in this recipe?

You can use any ground nuts you like! Walnuts and almonds are the most traditional, but feel free to try pecans or hazelnuts for something different.

3. How can I make these gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to use one that measures cup-for-cup!

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4. Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! You can freeze them before or after baking. Just wait until they’re fully cooled before placing them in an airtight container.

5. Are these cookies suitable for a vegan diet?

To make vegan Russian Tea Cakes, use a vegan butter substitute and replace the powdered sugar with a vegan-friendly option.

Russian Tea Cakes are a timeless treat that’s not only easy to make but also brings joy to any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying them alone with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to please. Don’t forget to get creative and try out different variations—you might just discover your new favorite treat!