Best 5 Pecan Puffs Aka Mexican Wedding Cakes Or Russian Tea Cakes Recipes

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Indulge in the delightful world of Pecan Puffs, also known as Mexican Wedding Cakes or Russian Tea Cakes. These bite-sized treats are a symphony of flavors and textures, combining the nutty sweetness of pecans with the delicate crumbliness of shortbread. With variations like Vanilla Pecan Puffs, Chocolate Pecan Puffs, and Gluten-Free Pecan Puffs, there's a perfect recipe for every palate. Explore the nuances of each recipe, from the classic pecan-studded shortbread to the decadent chocolate-dipped version. Immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural significance of these beloved cookies, and discover the culinary journey that awaits you.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

PANCETTA, PEAR & PECAN PUFFS



Pancetta, Pear & Pecan Puffs image

I was recently at a wedding reception where the menu was all small bites. Here's my rendition of the pear pastries they served. They're the perfect combo of savory and sweet. -Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 35m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons honey
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup (1 ounce) crumbled fresh goat cheese
3 tablespoons crumbled crisp pancetta or crumbled cooked bacon
3 tablespoons finely chopped peeled ripe pear
2 tablespoons finely chopped pecans, toasted

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°. On a lightly floured surface, unfold pastry dough. Using a 1-3/4-in. round cookie cutter, cut dough into 24 circles. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake until golden brown, 10-12 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. , Meanwhile, beat cream cheese, honey, salt and pepper until well blended. Fold in goat cheese, pancetta, pear and pecans., Halve each cooled pastry. Spoon cream cheese mixture over bottom pastry halves; cover with top halves. Serve at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 105 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 13mg cholesterol, Sodium 178mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.

MEXICAN WEDDING CAKES AKA RUSSIAN TEA CAKES



Mexican Wedding Cakes aka Russian Tea Cakes image

I learned to make these as a kid in 4-H. They were known as Russian Tea Cakes then. Now the same recipe is called Mexican Wedding cakes. But whatever you call them they are on almost everyone's top cookies list. I'm posting this for my Mom's cookbook.

Provided by Kathie Carr

Categories     Cookies

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 c butter, cold
1 c powdered sugar
4 c all purpose flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 c finely chopped pecans or walnuts
additional powdered sugar for rolling cookies in

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, with a fork or pastry blender cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Gradually add flour and mix well. Stir in pecans. Shape tablespoonfuls into 2 inch balls (or slightly smaller). Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 325 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Roll warm cookies in confectioners' sugar. Cool on wire racks.
  • 2. NOTE: If cookies tend to spread in the oven, instead of remaining in ball shape, chill dough thoroughly before baking and check oven temperature.

PECAN PUFFS



Pecan Puffs image

I just had to share my mom's recipe for these drop cookies. The light-as-a-cloud taste is simply heavenly. -Leslie Link-Terry, Greendale, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h5m

Yield 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 5

3 large egg whites, room temperature
Pinch salt
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans

Steps:

  • In a bowl, beat egg whites and salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add brown sugar, beating until stiff peaks form, 5-8 minutes. Fold in vanilla and pecans. Drop by well-rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 225° for 50-55 minutes or until firm to the touch. Store in airtight container.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 95 calories, Fat 5g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 22mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

PECAN PUFFS II



Pecan Puffs II image

These are similar to Russian Tea Cakes but use cake flour instead of regular. They literally melt in you mouth!!!

Provided by Millie Kae

Categories     Desserts     Nut Dessert Recipes     Pecan Dessert Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 6

½ cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sifted cake flour
1 cup pecan halves
½ cup confectioners' sugar for rolling

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
  • In a medium bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the vanilla. Grind pecans in a food processor or blender; toss with cake flour. Stir the pecan mixture into the creamed mixture until well blended. Roll the dough into tablespoon balls, then place them 1 inch apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
  • Bake for 25 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Roll warm cookies in confectioners' sugar. When they are cooled, roll them again.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 100.9 calories, Carbohydrate 8.8 g, Cholesterol 10.2 mg, Fat 7.1 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 0.9 g, SaturatedFat 2.7 g, Sodium 27.4 mg, Sugar 3.7 g

RUSSIAN TEA CAKES / MEXICAN WEDDING CAKES (COOKIES)



Russian Tea Cakes / Mexican Wedding Cakes (Cookies) image

From the Joyofbaking.com, my friend Wendy made these cookies during our Operation Baking Gals 'baking day' -- these are one of my FAVORITE cookies, I can never eat just one. NOTE: There is a 1-hour 'rest' time for the dough to firm up once it is mixed. This is not included in the prep time.

Provided by kitty.rock

Categories     Dessert

Time 30m

Yield 4 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 7

2/3 cup walnuts or 2/3 cup hazelnuts
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar (powdered or icing sugar)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted (powdered or icing sugar)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • Toast nuts. Place nuts on a separate baking sheet and bake for about 8 minutes (or until lightly brown and fragrant) in a 350 degree F oven. Cool.
  • Once the nuts have cooled completely place them, along with 2 tablespoons of the flour for the recipe, into your food processor, fitted with a metal blade, and process until they are finely ground (but not a paste). Or the nuts can be hand chopped until very fine. Set aside.
  • In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
  • Beat in the vanilla extract.
  • Add the remaining flour and salt and beat until combined.
  • Stir in the nuts.
  • Cover and refrigerate the dough for about 1 hour or until firm.
  • Once the dough is firm, form the dough into 1 inch (2.54 cm) balls and place 2 inches (5 cm) apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies start to brown.
  • Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool for about 5 minutes.
  • Roll the semi-cool cookies in the sifted powdered sugar and return to rack to cool completely.
  • Store in airtight container for up to 10 days.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 908.9, Fat 59.8, SaturatedFat 30.4, Cholesterol 122, Sodium 153.3, Carbohydrate 87.7, Fiber 3.4, Sugar 37.8, Protein 8.6

Tips:

  • Mise en place: Before you start baking, gather all of your ingredients and equipment. This will help you stay organized and avoid scrambling.
  • Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better your pecan puffs will taste. Look for fresh pecans, unsalted butter, and pure vanilla extract.
  • Chill the dough: Chilling the dough will help it hold its shape better when baking.
  • Roll the dough thinly: The thinner you roll the dough, the crispier your pecan puffs will be.
  • Cut the dough into even pieces: This will help them bake evenly.
  • Bake the pecan puffs until they are golden brown: This will ensure that they are cooked through.
  • Dust the pecan puffs with powdered sugar: This will give them a beautiful finishing touch.

Conclusion:

Pecan puffs, also known as Mexican wedding cakes or Russian tea cakes, are a delicious and versatile cookie that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to casual gatherings. So next time you are looking for a sweet treat, give pecan puffs a try. You won't be disappointed!

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