Indulge in a delightful journey through Russian culinary heritage with these delectable tea balls. These bite-sized treats, known as pirozhki, are filled with a variety of savory and sweet fillings, promising an explosion of flavors in every bite. From the classic potato and cabbage filling to the indulgent ground beef and rice filling, each recipe offers a unique taste experience. Vegetarian options like the spinach and cheese filling provide a wholesome and flavorful alternative. And for those with a sweet tooth, the cherry and apple fillings offer a delightful burst of fruity sweetness. Whether you prefer them baked or fried, these tea balls are sure to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven or heat your frying pan, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving for more.
Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!
RUSSIAN TEA CAKES
There's no feeling quite as blissful as your first bite of one of these cookies. Whether you call them Russian tea cakes, Mexican wedding cookies or snowballs, there's no denying that they're essential to bake during the Christmas season. A shortbread-like dough, studded with chopped nuts, bakes up to a texture that's beautifully sandy and tender, never dry or crumbling to bits. The classic finish for them is a roll through powdered sugar-just like dashing through the winter snow! Make this recipe and you'll be part of a legacy of bakers who have made Russian Tea Cakes one of the most anticipated treats of the season.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Dessert
Time 1h15m
Yield 48
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat oven to 400°F.
- Mix butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar and the vanilla in large bowl. Stir in flour, nuts and salt until dough holds together.
- Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until set but not brown. Remove from cookie sheet. Cool slightly on wire rack.
- Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar; cool on wire rack. Roll in powdered sugar again.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 75, Carbohydrate 6 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 0 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 55 mg
RUSSIAN TEA CAKES
I like to present my favorite holiday cookies in a special way. I pile these fresh-baked tea cakes on pretty plates that I buy throughout the year, then wrap them with colored cellophane to give friends. —Valerie Hudson, Mason City, Iowa
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 35m
Yield about 3-1/2 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in vanilla. Combine dry ingredients; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in nuts. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. , Roll into 1-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 12-13 minutes. Roll in confectioners' sugar while still warm. Cool on wire racks.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 83 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 12mg cholesterol, Sodium 49mg sodium, Carbohydrate 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.
RUSSIAN TEA BALLS
My mom has been making these for Christmas ever since I can remember! It's just not Christmas until I make them.
Provided by Terry Brooks
Categories Cookies
Time 35m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- 1. Cream the butter, sugar, and vanilla til fluffy and light.
- 2. Mix together flour and salt, and add to creamed mixture. Stir in the nuts.
- 3. Shape into 1" balls and place 1 1/2" apart on cookie sheet. Bake for 20 min at 325 degrees.
- 4. Cool on cookie rack and then roll in powdered sugar.
RUSSIAN TEA BALLS
This takes awhile and is a labor of love but oh so worth it. These are the kind of cookie i look forward to every Christmas. YUM! (i can't remember how many this makes, so the servings are a guesstimate, as are the cooking times!)
Provided by swimmer175
Categories Dessert
Time 30m
Yield 20 cookies, 20 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Beat together butter and 1 cup powdered sugar until thouroughly mixed.
- add vanilla and almond extracts.
- stir in flour, salt, and nuts.
- Roll into balls.
- Bake at 350 until done but NOT brown. (sorry, i don't know the exact time!).
- Roll in powdered sugar while hot.
- Roll again when cold.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 189.4, Fat 13.2, SaturatedFat 6.2, Cholesterol 24.4, Sodium 124, Carbohydrate 16.4, Fiber 0.7, Sugar 6.1, Protein 2.3
RUSSIAN TEA CAKES I
This is a family recipe that's been made at Christmas time by at least 4 generations. This year will be the first for number 5!!! 'Bubba' brought it with her when she came from Lithuania. I pass it on in the true spirit of this season!
Provided by THEAUNT708
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Eastern European Russian
Time 35m
Yield 36
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a medium bowl, cream butter and vanilla until smooth. Combine the 6 tablespoons confectioners' sugar and flour; stir into the butter mixture until just blended. Mix in the chopped walnuts. Roll dough into 1 inch balls, and place them 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 12 minutes in the preheated oven. When cool, roll in remaining confectioners' sugar. I also like to roll mine in the sugar a second time.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 101.6 calories, Carbohydrate 8.2 g, Cholesterol 13.6 mg, Fat 7.3 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 1.3 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 36.6 mg, Sugar 2.5 g
RUSSIAN TEA BALLS
We put the nuts in a food processor until it is like a flour because someone in the family does not like nuts....
Provided by Lauren K
Categories Cookies
Time 15m
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix together all ingredients well.
- 2. Make balls about the size of small walnuts. Bake for 14-17 minutes.
- 3. Roll in powdered sugar while still warm.
Tips:
- For a stronger tea flavor, use two tea balls per cup.
- Experiment with different types of tea leaves to find your favorite flavor.
- Be sure to use boiling water to steep the tea balls.
- Steep the tea balls for at least 3 minutes, but no longer than 5 minutes, to avoid bitterness.
- Serve the tea hot or cold, with or without milk and sugar.
Conclusion:
Russian tea balls are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a cup of tea. They can be made with any type of tea leaves, and they can be steeped for a variety of times to achieve the desired strength. Whether you enjoy your tea hot or cold, with or without milk and sugar, Russian tea balls are a great way to relax and enjoy a delicious beverage.
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